Meeting Summary
The Oklahoma City Council meeting addressed several key issues, including the potential extension of the mask mandate, which was ultimately deferred for two weeks. The council also honored two long-serving members, Councilman James Greiner and Councilman Larry McAtee, for their dedicated service. Additionally, the meeting saw the approval of various planning and zoning ordinances, as well as the awarding of general obligation bonds with favorable interest rates.
Key Decisions & Votes
Resolution honoring Councilman James Greiner
00:19:00A resolution was adopted to thank and commend James Greiner for his eight years of dedicated service to Ward 1 and the citizens of Oklahoma City.
Resolution honoring Councilman Larry McAtee
00:35:00A resolution was unanimously adopted to thank and commend Larry McAtee for his 20 years of dedicated service to Ward 3 and the citizens of Oklahoma City.
Appointments to various boards and trusts
00:44:00Appointments to the Civic Center Foundation, Electrical Appeals and Code Commission, Emergency Medical Services Authority, MAPS 3 and 4 Citizens Advisory Boards, Mechanical Code Review and Appeals Commission, Oklahoma City Game and Fish Commission, and Plumbing Code Review and Appeals Commission were approved.
Revocable permit for Infant Crisis Services 5K
00:48:00A revocable permit was approved for Infant Crisis Services to hold their Baby Steps 5K and Trail Run at Bluff Creek Park.
Mask Mandate Extension
01:16:00A motion to defer the discussion and vote on extending the mask mandate for two weeks was passed, despite concerns from some council members about the timing and public health implications.
Consent Docket
01:39:00The consent docket, including various routine administrative items, was adopted unanimously.
Concurrence Docket
01:40:00The concurrence docket, comprising items A through T, was adopted unanimously.
Zoning change at 9802 East Wilshire Boulevard
01:41:00An ordinance on final hearing to rezone 9802 East Wilshire Boulevard from R1 to AA was approved.
Zoning change at 701 Northwest 22nd Street
01:42:00An ordinance on final hearing to rezone 701 Northwest 22nd Street from PUD 707 to I1 and I2 was approved.
Zoning change at 1029 Southwest 89th Street
01:43:00An ordinance on final hearing to rezone 1029 Southwest 89th Street from R1 to C3 was approved.
Zoning change at 13401 South Main Avenue
01:44:00An ordinance on final hearing to rezone 13401 South Main Avenue from AA to PUD 1800 was approved.
Zoning change at 9900 Piedmont Road
01:45:00An ordinance on final hearing to rezone 9900 Piedmont Road from R1 to PUD 1805 was approved despite public protest regarding infrastructure concerns.
Zoning change at 12800 Northwest 10th Street
01:51:00An ordinance on final hearing to rezone 12800 Northwest 10th Street from AA to PUD 1806 was approved for a car lot.
Zoning change at 13450 Southeast 104th Street
01:52:00An ordinance on final hearing to rezone 13450 Southeast 104th Street from AA to PUD 1807 was approved for a four-lot development.
Zoning change at 1137-1145 North Meridian
01:53:00An ordinance on final hearing to rezone 1137-1145 North Meridian from O2 to SPUD 1265 was approved to allow retail businesses.
Zoning change at 2421 South Portland Avenue
01:55:00An ordinance on final hearing to rezone 2421 South Portland Avenue from C3 to SPUD 1277 was approved for a metal building for a lawn care business.
Zoning change at 4019 and 4027 North Classen Boulevard
01:56:00An ordinance on final hearing to rezone 4019 and 4027 North Classen Boulevard from O2 and R2 to SBUD 1289 was approved to allow outdoor sales and correctly zone office buildings.
Zoning change at 12501 North Pennsylvania Avenue
01:58:00An ordinance on final hearing to rezone 12501 North Pennsylvania Avenue from PUD 62A to SPUD 1291 was approved.
Zoning change at 2604 Cedar Tree Road
01:59:00An ordinance on final hearing to rezone 2604 Cedar Tree Road from PUD 704 to SPUD 1294 was approved.
Zoning change at 10620 Northwest 164th Street
02:00:00An ordinance on final hearing to rezone 10620 Northwest 164th Street from AA to R1 was approved, despite staff and planning commission recommendations for denial, based on the applicant's argument of changing conditions and utility availability.
Parking restriction on South Woodward Avenue
02:12:00An ordinance establishing a no parking anytime restriction on the west side of South Woodward Avenue was approved.
Angle parking on North Brookline Avenue
02:13:00An ordinance establishing 60-degree angle parking on the east side of North Brookline Avenue was approved.
Parking changes for Northwest 39th Streetscape
02:14:00Multiple ordinances related to the Northwest 39th Streetscape project were approved, establishing 90-degree, 45-degree, and 45-degree reverse angle parking, as well as ADA accessible spaces.
Metered parking on West Oklahoma City Boulevard
02:20:00An ordinance establishing metered parking on the north and south sides of West Oklahoma City Boulevard was approved.
Disabled parking on West Oklahoma City Boulevard
02:21:00Ordinances establishing reserved parking spaces for the physically disabled on the south and north sides of West Oklahoma City Boulevard were approved.
False Alarms Ordinance
02:22:00An ordinance related to false alarms, after its third reading, was approved.
Award purchase of General Obligation Bonds (Series 2021)
02:25:00The award purchase of $116.6 million in General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021, to JP Morgan Securities LLC with a true interest cost of 1.935627% was approved.
Issuance of General Obligation Bonds (Series 2021)
02:26:00An ordinance providing for the issuance of $116.6 million in General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021, was approved, along with an emergency clause.
Award purchase of General Obligation Limited Tax Bonds (Taxable Series 2021)
02:27:00The award purchase of $30 million in General Obligation Limited Tax Bonds, Taxable Series 2021, to Robert W. Baird and Company with a true interest cost of 2.102304% was approved.
Issuance of General Obligation Limited Tax Bonds (Taxable Series 2021)
02:28:00An ordinance providing for the issuance of $30 million in General Obligation Limited Tax Bonds, Taxable Series 2021, was approved, along with an emergency clause.
Refunding of General Obligation Bond Series 2011
02:32:00A resolution providing for the sale and issuance of general obligation refunding bonds, not to exceed $25 million, for interest cost savings on the 2011 series, was adopted.
Amending Coronavirus Relief Funds Plan
02:36:00A resolution amending the Coronavirus Relief Funds Plan to reallocate funds for the sewage monitoring program and adjust funding for minority small business economic recovery was approved.
Coronavirus Relief Planning and Research Program Agreement with OU
02:37:00A resolution approving an agreement with the University of Oklahoma for the sewage monitoring program, retroactive to January 1st, was approved.
Naming of Ray Thompson Walking and Jogging Trail
02:41:00A resolution approving the naming of the walking and jogging trail in South Lakes Park as the Ray Thompson Walking and Jogging Trail, in honor of the former park commissioner and civic volunteer, was adopted.
One-time stipend for city employees
02:47:00A resolution authorizing a one-time stipend for all current full-time and part-time city employees in recognition of extraordinary work during fiscal year 2020-2021 was adopted.
Salary continuation for Corporal Matthew Alberti
02:48:00A resolution to continue salary for Corporal Matthew Alberti during his rehabilitation from an on-the-job injury for an additional six months or until March 18, 2022, was approved.
Upcoming Community Events
Child Abuse Prevention Month
Proclaimed by the Mayor; citizens encouraged to wear blue on April 1st to show support.
Infant Crisis Services Baby Steps 5K and Trail Run
Approved for Bluff Creek Park.
ICF Super Cup
To be hosted at the Oklahoma River, featuring Olympic medalists, international broadcast, and related events like ICF Extreme Slalom and USO Experience.
Watch Party for Tokyo Olympics Opening Ceremonies
To be held at the new events center in the McClendon Whitewater Center, partnering with Channel 4 as a fundraiser for athletes.
National Championships for American Canoe Association
Part of the events surrounding the ICF Super Cup.
Night Hike at Martin Park Nature Center
Councilwoman Nice participated, saw deer and birds, enjoyed the park trails.
Grant Opening for Kindred Spirits
Located in the East Point area, featuring over 50 black businesses, many owned by women.
Neighborhood meeting for Lone Oak Park design
To discuss the design of the new park, focusing on the 150+ year old oak tree.
Financial Matters
General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021
Awarded to JP Morgan Securities LLC with a true interest cost of 1.935627%.
General Obligation Limited Tax Bonds, Taxable Series 2021
Awarded to Robert W. Baird and Company with a true interest cost of 2.102304%.
Refunding of General Obligation Bond Series 2011
Resolution adopted to refund outstanding portions of the 2011 series for interest cost savings, anticipating over 16% present value savings.
Coronavirus Relief Funds Plan Amendment
Reallocation of funds from reserve for increased COVID-19 response to public health emergency recovery planning and research, primarily for the sewage monitoring program.
Minority Small Business Economic Recovery and Resiliency Plan
Increased allowable funding due to bids coming in slightly above initial allocation.
Coronavirus Relief Planning and Research Program Agreement with OU
Agreement with the University of Oklahoma for the continuation of the sewage monitoring program, retroactive to January 1st, 2021.
One-time stipend for city employees
Resolution authorizing a one-time stipend for all full-time and part-time city employees for extraordinary work during FY 2020-2021.
Sales and Use Tax Report
Sales tax had 4.5% growth in March, still down from last year but above budget. Use tax had 36% growth, with 17% growth even without a one-time payment. Combined, $16.6 million above target.
Public Comments
Public comments primarily focused on the mask mandate, with several citizens urging the council to extend or maintain it due to ongoing health risks, variants, and the need to protect vulnerable populations. Concerns were also raised about the enforcement of the mandate and the mental health impact of the pandemic. One speaker addressed issues of racial injustice, police violence, and conditions in the county jail.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Ordinance to amend Chapter 23 (Health and Sanitation) regarding the mask mandate (deferred for two weeks)
Deadlines
- New deadline for Coronavirus Relief Funds: December 30, 2021
Watch For
- Further updates on the mask mandate at the next council meeting
- Guidance from Treasury on American Recovery Act funds
- Construction commencement for Bar-K project (in a couple of months)
- Opening of temporary esports facility (summer camps this summer)
- Updates on the sewage monitoring program data
Announcements
- Proclamation of April 2021 as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
- Councilman James Greiner and Councilman Larry McAtee were honored for their dedicated service.
- Councilwoman Nice will become Vice Mayor at the next council meeting.
- Infant Crisis Services Baby Steps 5K and Trail Run approved for Bluff Creek Park.
- Redevelopment of Lantana Apartments is complete, serving as a model for dealing with dilapidated apartment complexes.
- MAPS One Percent for Art project for Manuel Perez Park murals is underway, expected completion by mid-May.
- Riversport Foundation's ICF Super Cup and related events scheduled for August, with significant international exposure.
- Riversport Foundation's diversity and inclusion initiatives, including a rowing program at Douglas High School and partnership with Course for Change.
- Riversport Foundation's construction projects (whitewater building, landscaping, Ski OKC) are progressing.
- Oklahoma Trailhead Project expanding pump track and adding a nature center.
- Riversport Foundation is hiring 200 positions.
- Brockway Center officially placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Oklahoma Federation of Colored Women's Clubs turned 110 years old.
- Human Rights Task Force recommended re-establishing the Human Rights Commission.
- Grant opening for Kindred Spirits in the East Point area this weekend.
- Special thanks to Kai Hartwig and Total Environmental for pruning the Lone Oak tree at the new Lone Oak Park.
- Corporal Matthew Alberti's salary continuation approved during rehabilitation.
Agenda Summary
Proclamation: Child Abuse Prevention Month
Declaring April 2021 as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Resolution: Accommodation for James Greiner, Ward 1 Council Member
Honoring Councilman James Greiner for his eight years of dedicated service.
Resolution: Accommodation for Larry McAtee, Ward 3 Council Member
Honoring Councilman Larry McAtee for his 20 years of dedicated service.
Notification: Councilwoman Nice to become Vice Mayor
Notification of Councilwoman Nice's appointment as Vice Mayor.
Appointments: Civic Center Foundation, Electrical Appeals and Code Commission, Emergency Medical Services Authority, MAPS 3 Citizens Advisory Board, MAPS 4 Citizens Advisory Board, Mechanical Code Review and Appeals Commission, Oklahoma City Game and Fish Commission, Plumbing Code Review and Appeals Commission
Appointments to various city boards and trusts.
Journal of Council Proceedings
Approval of minutes from previous council meetings.
Requests for Uncontested Continuances
Striking various items related to dilapidated structures, unsecured structures, and abandoned buildings from the agenda due to owner compliance.
Revocable Permit: Infant Crisis Services
Permit for the Baby Steps 5K and Trail Run at Bluff Creek Park.
Ordinance: Extending Mask Mandate
Ordinance to amend Chapter 23 entitled Health and Sanitation, extending the mask mandate.
Consent Docket
Various routine administrative items.
Concurrence Docket
Various routine administrative items.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 9802 East Wilshire Boulevard
Rezoning from R1 to AA.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 701 Northwest 22nd Street
Rezoning from PUD 707 to I1 and I2.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 1029 Southwest 89th Street
Rezoning from R1 to C3.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 13401 South Main Avenue
Rezoning from AA to PUD 1800.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 9900 Piedmont Road
Rezoning from R1 to PUD 1805.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 12800 Northwest 10th Street
Rezoning from AA to PUD 1806.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 13450 Southeast 104th Street
Rezoning from AA to PUD 1807.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 1137-1145 North Meridian
Rezoning from O2 to SPUD 1265.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 2421 South Portland Avenue
Rezoning from C3 to SPUD 1277.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 4019 and 4027 North Classen Boulevard
Rezoning from O2 and R2 to SBUD 1289.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 12501 North Pennsylvania Avenue
Rezoning from PUD 62A to SPUD 1291.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 2604 Cedar Tree Road
Rezoning from PUD 704 to SPUD 1294.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 10620 Northwest 164th Street
Rezoning from AA to R1.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: South Woodward Avenue Parking
Establishing a no parking anytime restriction on the west side of South Woodward Avenue.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: North Brookline Avenue Parking
Establishing 60-degree angle parking on the east side of North Brookline Avenue.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: Northwest 39th Streetscape Parking (90-degree)
Establishing 90-degree angle parking within an on-street parking area on the east side of North Barnes Avenue.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: Northwest 39th Streetscape Parking (45-degree)
Establishing 45-degree angle parking within an on-street parking area on the east side of Northwest 40th Street.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: Northwest 39th Streetscape Parking (45-degree reverse, South side)
Establishing 45-degree reverse angle parking on the south side of Northwest 39th Street.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: Northwest 39th Streetscape Parking (45-degree reverse, North side)
Establishing 45-degree reverse angle parking on the north side of Northwest 39th Street.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: Northwest 39th Streetscape Disabled Parking (North side)
Establishing reserved parking spaces for the physically disabled on the north side of Northwest 39th Street.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: Northwest 39th Streetscape Disabled Parking (South side)
Establishing reserved parking spaces for the physically disabled on the south side of Northwest 39th Street.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: North Brookline Avenue Disabled Parking
Establishing a reserved parking space for the physically disabled within a setback area on the east side of North Brookline Avenue.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: West Oklahoma City Boulevard Metered Parking
Establishing metered parking on the north and south sides of West Oklahoma City Boulevard.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: West Oklahoma City Boulevard Disabled Parking (South side)
Establishing reserved parking spaces for the physically disabled on the south side of West Oklahoma City Boulevard.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: West Oklahoma City Boulevard Disabled Parking (North side)
Establishing reserved parking spaces for the physically disabled on the north side of West Oklahoma City Boulevard.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: False Alarms
Amending the ordinance related to false alarms.
Award Purchase: General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021
Awarding the purchase of $116.6 million in General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: Issuance of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021
Providing for the issuance of $116.6 million in General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021, with emergency.
Award Purchase: General Obligation Limited Tax Bonds, Taxable Series 2021
Awarding the purchase of $30 million in General Obligation Limited Tax Bonds, Taxable Series 2021.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: Issuance of General Obligation Limited Tax Bonds, Taxable Series 2021
Providing for the issuance of $30 million in General Obligation Limited Tax Bonds, Taxable Series 2021, with emergency.
Public Hearing: Refunding of General Obligation Bond Series 2011
Public hearing regarding the refunding of certain outstanding portions of the city's General Obligation Bond Series 2011 for interest cost savings.
Resolution: Sale and Issuance of General Obligation Refunding Bonds
Providing for the sale and issuance of general obligation refunding bonds, not to exceed $25 million, for interest cost savings.
Public Hearing: Dilapidated Structures
Public hearing regarding various dilapidated structures.
Resolution: Declaring Structures Dilapidated
Declaring various structures as dilapidated.
Public Hearing: Unsecured Structures
Public hearing regarding various unsecured structures.
Resolution: Declaring Structures Unsecured
Declaring various structures as unsecured.
Public Hearing: Abandoned Buildings
Public hearing regarding various abandoned buildings.
Resolution: Declaring Buildings Abandoned
Declaring various buildings as abandoned.
Resolution: Amending Coronavirus Relief Funds Plan
Amending the Coronavirus Relief Funds Plan and subcategory allocations.
Resolution: Coronavirus Relief Planning and Research Program Agreement with OU
Approving an agreement with the University of Oklahoma for the sewage monitoring program.
Resolution: Naming of Ray Thompson Walking and Jogging Trail
Approving the naming of the park path in South Lakes Park in honor of Ray Thompson.
Resolution: One-time Stipend for City Employees
Authorizing a one-time stipend for city employees for extraordinary work during FY 2020-2021.
Resolution: Salary Continuation for Corporal Matthew Alberti
Requesting salary continuation for Corporal Matthew Alberti during his rehabilitation.