Meeting Summary
The City Council welcomed and swore in new and re-elected members for Wards 1, 3, 4, and 7, including the new Vice Mayor. Resolutions of commendation were passed for a Maps Department project manager and a long-serving pre-kindergarten teacher. Key discussions included the demolition of old police and court facilities for new parking, and an ordinance change to streamline nuisance abatement hearings for seized vehicles. Public comments highlighted concerns about downtown crime and the mask mandate.
Key Decisions & Votes
Election Returns for Wards 1 and 3
07:45Official election returns for the general election held April 6, 2021, for council members from Wards 1 and 3 were received, allowing for the swearing-in of new and re-elected members.
Commendation for Dwayne McAllister
20:50A resolution was passed commending Dwayne McAllister, a Construction Project Manager in the Maps Department, as the April 2021 South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club Employee of the Month for his dedication and work, including the convention center project.
Recognition for Laura Hughes
25:50A resolution was adopted recognizing Laura Hughes as the April 2021 Teacher of the Month by the Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools and Rotary Club of Oklahoma City for her 25 years of service at Heronville Elementary.
Appointments to Mary Gardens Foundation and Traffic Commission
27:30Appointments were approved for positions on the Mary Gardens Foundation and the Traffic Commission.
Journal of Council Proceedings
28:00Items A and B regarding the journal of council proceedings were approved.
Revocable Permit for Health in the City Event
31:40A revocable permit was approved for the Asian District Cultural Association to hold the 'Health in the City' event on April 24th at Military Park.
Revocable Permit for Starlight Supper Picnic
34:20A revocable permit was approved for Downtown Oklahoma City Inc. to hold the Starlight Supper Picnic on May 13th at Kerr Park.
OCMFA Items a-e
35:00All items on the Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority agenda were approved.
OCPPA Items a-c
35:40All items on the Oklahoma City Public Property Authority agenda were approved.
OCEAT Claims and Payroll
36:10Claims and payroll for the Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust were approved.
Consent Docket
1:12:00The entire consent docket, including items discussed separately, was adopted.
Concurrence Docket
1:12:40Items A through F on the concurrence docket were approved.
Rezoning 500 E Hefner Rd (R1 to PUD 1801)
1:19:00An ordinance on final hearing to rezone 500 East Hefner Road from R1 to PUD 1801 for single-family development was approved, following previous deferrals and discussions with neighbors.
Rezoning 4235 NE 122nd St (AA to SPUD 1293)
1:20:40An ordinance on final hearing to rezone 4235 Northeast 122nd Street from AA to SPUD 1293 was approved, including the acceptance of recommended easements.
Rezoning 221 W Wilshire Blvd (SPUD 240 to SPUD 1296)
1:24:00An ordinance on final hearing to rezone 221 West Wilshire Boulevard from SPUD 240 to SPUD 1296, adding horticulture as an intended use, was approved with a request for good stewardship due to proximity to a childcare facility.
Comprehensive Plan Amendment (Rural Low to Rural Medium Intensity)
1:25:00A resolution receiving an amendment to the comprehensive plan, changing the land use technology area from rural low intensity to rural medium intensity south of SW 164th and east of South Western, was approved.
Ordinance Change for OKC Environmental Assistance Trust References
1:27:00An ordinance changing references to the Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust in current ordinances, as part of the trust's merging process, was adopted.
Introduction of Nuisance Abatement Ordinance Amendment
1:32:00An ordinance amending Article 6 of Chapter 35 regarding nuisance abatement for seized vehicles was introduced. The change allows for hearings to be scheduled 'upon request' rather than automatically.
Dilapidated Structures Resolution
1:33:00A resolution declaring listed structures as dilapidated was passed following a public hearing with no speakers.
Unsecured Structures Resolution
1:34:00A resolution declaring listed structures as insecure was passed following a public hearing with no speakers.
Abandoned Buildings Resolution
1:34:50A resolution declaring listed buildings as abandoned was passed following a public hearing with no speakers.
Salary Continuation for Major Scott Bass
1:36:00A resolution approving salary continuation for Major Scott Bass, who requires rehabilitation from an on-the-job injury, was approved.
Claims Recommended for Denial
1:38:00One claim recommended for denial was denied.
Claims Recommended for Approval
1:38:40Items A through D for claims recommended for approval were approved.
Upcoming Community Events
Health in the City
Military Park, partnership with Integris Health (diabetes/glucose monitoring) and OKC County Health Department, Tai Chi, yoga, meditation, kids activities.
Starlight Supper Picnic
Kerr Park, 7 PM to 9 PM, proceeds benefit Downtown Oklahoma City Initiatives (public art, community programs), socially distanced picnic style.
Lone Oak Park Meeting
Church of the Servant (North Macarthur Boulevard), seeking public input for the new Lone Oak Park in Ward 8.
COVID-19 Vaccine in the Black Community Town Hall
5 PM to 6:30 PM, jointly hosted by Councilwoman Nice and Pastor Cooper (Prospect Baptist Church), Zoom ID 862-3379-9348, Passcode 573-406, also on Facebook pages. OU Health physicians and OKC County Health Department epidemiologist will join.
Kite Festival for Social Justice and Liberation
Hosted by Nappy Roots Bookstore, kids making and flying kites, teepees, snow cones at Northeast Community and Cultural Center (fundraiser for STEM camp).
West End District Third Saturdays in West 10
Open house with Mad Potter Studio (Matt Murray) from 11 AM to 5 PM at 4602 Northwest 10th Street, historically local Council Grove Castle Falls tour. More info on West 10 Facebook page.
EMBARK Bus Study Virtual Town Halls
Two opportunities: 12 PM and 6:30 PM. Instructions to access available at okcmoves.org.
Financial Matters
Drainage improvements to Super Span structure
Final plans and specifications for drainage improvements to the large Super Span structure near Penn Square Mall, funded by the 2017 bond issue.
Sale of old Fire Station 16
Sale of the old Fire Station 16 at 3416 South Robinson to No Boundaries International. $90,000 will go to fire purposes and $40,000 to parks purposes.
Grant for Memorial Park rain gardens
A grant from AARP to retrofit linear landscape beds in Memorial Park into stormwater management gardens to purify runoff.
Claims recommended for denial
One claim was recommended for denial.
Claims recommended for approval
Several claims (items A through D) were recommended for approval.
Public Comments
One resident advocated for continuing the mask mandate to achieve herd immunity. Another resident, a local business owner, expressed severe concerns about rampant crime, homelessness, trash, and lack of law enforcement in Western Downtown OKC, stating it negatively impacts businesses and public safety, and questioned the city's enforcement priorities. The business owner threatened to move his tax base if issues are not addressed.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Item 9a: Deferred to April 27th
- Item 9e: Deferred to April 27th
- Item 9f: Deferred to April 27th
- Item 9j: Deferred to May 11th
- Item 9h (Spud 1268): Deferred to July 20th, 2021
- Item 9l (Nuisance Abatement Ordinance): Public hearing April 27th, final consideration May 11th
- Item 9p (Real Estate Sales Agreement with Silverslab Properties): One more meeting after this public hearing
Deadlines
- SW 29th District Association mural proposal initial submission: May 12th
Watch For
- Completion of Belle Isle Library expansion (end of calendar year)
- Completion of school renovation (Maps for Kids project) in August
- Law enforcement task force recommendations and subsequent actions
- EMBARK bus study outcomes and future public transit investments
- Western Heights School District improvements (90-day window)
Announcements
- Teleconference meeting rules and procedures were announced, including agenda access on okc.gov and public speaking instructions.
- April is recognized as Minority Health Month, and Black Maternal Health Week was highlighted via proclamation to address disparities in maternal health.
- Thoughts were extended to the family of 5-year-old Trevion Cole following an accidental shooting.
- Congratulations were given to Deputy Chief Vashina Butler and Deputy Chief Ron Basie on their new roles in the police department.
- The unveiling of the Prairie Surf Media sign was noted, celebrating the new use of the former Cox Convention Center.
- City workers Ms. Coleman (20+ years in department) and Mr. Wiseman were recognized for their dedication.
- Appreciation was expressed for participants in the 21CP town hall on community policing, and the Mayor of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, was commended for swift action following a police shooting.
- The City Manager reported on claims and payroll, and the council priority on maintaining strong financial management.
Agenda Summary
Item 3a
Receive official election returns for the general election held April 6, 2021, for the election of council members from Wards 1 and 3.
Item 3c
Resolution of commendation for Dwayne McAllister on his selection as the April 2021 South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club Employee of the Month.
Item 3d
Resolution recognizing and commending Laura Hughes on her selection as the April 2021 Teacher of the Month by the Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools and Rotary Club of Oklahoma City.
Item 3e
Appointment to the Mary Gardens Foundation.
Item 3f
Appointment to the Traffic Commission.
Item 4a
Journal of Council Proceedings.
Item 4b
Journal of Council Proceedings.
Item 5
Requests for uncontested continuances, including deferrals, withdrawals, and striking of various agenda items.
Item 6a
Revocable permit with the Asian District Cultural Association for Health in the City on April 24th using Military Park.
Item 6b
Revocable permit with Downtown Oklahoma City Inc. to hold the Starlight Supper Picnic on May 13th using Kerr Park.
OCMFA Items a through e
Approval of claims and payroll for the Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority.
OCPPA Items a through c
Approval of claims and payroll for the Oklahoma City Public Property Authority.
OCEAT Item a
Approval of claims and payroll for the Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust.
Item 7 (Consent Docket)
Adoption of the consent docket, including items T (contract spraying for Oklahoma River), U (drainage improvements to Super Span structure), V (demolition of old police headquarters and courts facility), Y (change order for Belle Isle Library expansion), AL (renewal of wrecker service contracts), AM (removal of no parking signs on NW 25th), BA (school renovation for Maps for Kids), BE (grant for Memorial Park rain gardens), BC (MOU with OKC Dodger Rookie League), and BH (sale of old Fire Station 16).
Item 8 (Concurrence Docket)
Approval of items a through f on the concurrence docket.
Item 9b
Ordinance on final hearing, 500 East Hefner Road, going from R1 to PUD 1801.
Item 9c
Ordinance on final hearing, 4235 Northeast 122nd Street, going from AA to SPUD 1293.
Item 9d
Ordinance on final hearing, 221 West Wilshire Boulevard, going from SPUD 240 to SPUD 1296.
Item 9g
Resolution receiving an amendment to the comprehensive plan changing the land use technology area from rural low intensity to rural medium intensity on a tract located south of Southwest 164th and east of South Western.
Item 9k
Ordinance on final hearing regarding references to the Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust.
Item 9l
Ordinance to be introduced today, set for public hearing on April 27th and potential final consideration on May 11th, amending Article 6 of Chapter 35 of the Oklahoma City Municipal Code, etc.
Item 9m1
Public hearing regarding the dilapidated structures here listed.
Item 9m2
Resolution declaring that the structures are dilapidated.
Item 9n1
Public hearing for the unsecured structures here listed.
Item 9n2
Resolution declaring that the structures are insecure.
Item 9o1
Public hearing for the abandoned buildings here listed.
Item 9o2
Resolution declaring that the buildings are abandoned.
Item 9p
Public hearing regarding the resolution approving real estate sales agreement with Silverslab Properties for the sale of real property at 1245 Northwest 2nd Street.
Item 9q1
Resolution approving the request for salary continuation for Major Scott Bass while he continues to require rehabilitation to recover from an on-the-job injury.
Item 9r
To enter into executive session on advice of the Municipal Counselor to receive confidential communications concerning the case styled Fugit v. City of OKC.
Item 9s
To enter into executive session on advice of the Municipal Council to receive confidential communications regarding pending mediation in the case of Pigeon v. City of OKC.
Item 9t
To enter into executive session on advice of the Municipal Councillor to receive confidential communications from its attorney regarding pending litigation in the case of Holland v. City of OKC.
Item 9u1
Claims recommended for denial.
Item 10a1
Claims recommended for approval.
Item 11a
Items from Council.