Meeting Summary
The City Council addressed several zoning changes and development projects, notably deferring a resolution to demolish the historic Old City Jail for further discussion and potential reuse. They also approved a temporary winter shelter for the homeless, extended pandemic leave for city employees, and honored a community leader by naming a park pavilion. Discussions highlighted the city's ongoing challenges with homelessness, affordable housing, and public health.
Key Decisions & Votes
Old City Jail Demolition Application
N/AA resolution authorizing city staff to submit an application to demolish the Old City Jail at 200 North Chartel Avenue was deferred until December 21, 2021. This deferral allows for the establishment of a committee to explore alternative uses and preservation options for the historic building, which holds significant civil rights history.
Special Permit for Emergency Homeless Shelter
N/AA special permit was approved for a temporary emergency shelter and feeding site at 1400 Northwest 3rd Street, operating until March 31, 2021. The shelter aims to address the increased unsheltered homeless population due to COVID-19 related bed reductions in existing facilities, with conditions for security and neighborhood engagement.
Personnel Policy 721 - Pandemic Leave
N/AA resolution was approved to adopt Personnel Policy 721, providing city employees with pandemic leave benefits similar to the expired federal FFCRA. Full-time employees are eligible for up to 80 hours, and part-time employees for their average hours worked over a two-week period.
Manuel Perez Park Pavilion Naming
N/AA resolution was approved to name the pavilion in Manuel Perez Park the Mary Teresa Sosa Pavilion, honoring the late Mary Sosa, a former Parks and Recreation Department employee and dedicated community volunteer.
Upcoming Community Events
MLK Virtual Parade
Will be a virtual parade to ensure public safety.
Financial Matters
CARES Act Funds Extension
Discussion on extending deadlines for existing CARES Act contracts to continue spending program funds, including resident rental/mortgage/utility assistance and retraining programs.
Old City Jail Demolition Cost
City staff estimated $8.9 million to rehabilitate the Old City Jail for city use. Demolition costs alone are estimated at over $500,000, with abatement potentially adding another $500,000, for a total of over $1 million to create a surface parking lot.
Alternative Parking Property Purchase
An alternative property at 815 Northwest 2nd Street, already paved with 92 parking spaces, is listed for sale at $1,495,000, offering a significantly lower cost per parking space compared to demolishing the Old City Jail.
Love's Travel Stops Donations
Love's Travel Stops donated $1 million to the Boys and Girls Club of Oklahoma County and an additional $500,000 to the Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.
Public Comments
Public comments covered a range of topics including support and opposition for the temporary homeless shelter, with concerns about neighborhood impact and calls for proactive cleanup. Extensive discussion centered on the proposed demolition of the Old City Jail, with strong arguments for its historical preservation due to its architectural significance and its role in the Civil Rights Movement. Other comments addressed issues with city services, police accountability, and the need for mental health resources on the East Side.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Resolution to submit application for certificate of approval from the downtown design Review Committee to demolish The Old City Jail (Item 9F)
Deadlines
- Emergency homeless shelter permit expires March 31, 2021
- Old City Jail demolition resolution deferred to December 21, 2021
Watch For
- Recommendations from Mayor Holt's homelessness task force (within next couple months)
- New council members to be elected next month
- Statewide scheduling website for COVID-19 vaccinations to become available
- Future discussions on public health funding increases
- Potential private sector investment in affordable housing
- 2027 General Obligation Bond planning
Announcements
- Oklahoma County has announced plans for the first 65+ vaccination clinic, starting Thursday at Mercy Hospital (4300 West Memorial Road) at 8:00 a.m. Appointments are already full, and later dates will be announced as vaccine becomes available.
- Condolences extended to the family of Major Andy Davis with the Oklahoma City Fire Department.
- Happy 94th Birthday to Mr. Hamilton.
- Congratulations to young black artists Shakira Maynard, Verdine Thompson, Jesse K Shelton, Jasmine Jones, and Anthony Brock for their murals in the Fresh Paint New Year's Eve contest, displayed outside the Dodgers' home base.
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration will be a virtual parade.
- Love's Travel Stops donated $1 million to the Boys and Girls Club of Oklahoma County and $500,000 to the Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.
Agenda Summary
Journal of Council Proceedings (Items 4A and 4B)
Approval of previous council meeting minutes.
Request for uncontested continuances (Item 5)
Review of items for continuance without opposition.
Revocable Permits (Item 6)
Review of revocable permit applications.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (Items A-E)
Various items for the Municipal Facilities Authority.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (Claims and Payroll)
Approval of claims and payroll for the Public Property Authority.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (Items A and B)
Various items for the Environmental Assistance Trust.
Consent Docket (Item 7)
Group of routine items for approval, including discussions on sign removal, Bellow Library expansion, bike lanes, pedestrian improvements, and CARES Act fund extensions.
Ordinance on Final Hearing - 11600 North Westminster Road (Item 9A1)
Rezoning from R1 to AA to align with agricultural use.
Ordinance on Final Hearing - 300 Northeast 17th Street (Item 9A2)
Rezoning from R4 to C1 to permit commercial development (laundromat, offices, shops).
Ordinance on Final Hearing - 10633 Northeast 63rd (Item 9A3)
Rezoning from R1 to AA for team roping use.
Ordinance on Final Hearing - 2350 North Sarah Road (Item 9A4)
Rezoning from AA to R1.
Ordinance on Final Hearing - 10510 Northwest 23rd Street (Item 9A5)
Rezoning from DOUA to R2.
Ordinance on Final Hearing - 15123 North Council Road (Item 9A6)
Rezoning from PUD 1568 to R1.
Ordinance on Final Hearing - 10599 West Britain Road (Item 9A7)
Rezoning from AA to PUD 1776.
Ordinance on Final Hearing - 1315 East Wilshire Boulevard (Item 9A8)
Rezoning from R1 to PUD 1781 for the Wings Special Needs Community.
Ordinance on Final Hearing - 12116 Southwest 29th (Item 9A9)
Rezoning from AA to PUD 1782 for a mixed-use development.
Ordinance on Final Hearing - 11701 North Morgan Road (Item 9A10)
Rezoning from AA and PUD 754 to PUD 1783 for a mixed-use development.
Ordinance on Final Hearing - 500 South Cemetery Road (Item 9A11)
Rezoning from AA and R3 to PUD 1785, adding an acre for duplexes.
Ordinance on Final Hearing - 7201 Northwest 150th Street (Item 9A12)
Rezoning from AA to SP1261 for mixed commercial and residential use.
Ordinance on Final Hearing - 455 South I35 Service Road (Item 9A13)
Rezoning from Spud 607 to Spud 1263 for mixed-use commercial and Charter School development.
Special Permit for Emergency Shelters and Feeding Sites (Item 9B)
Special permit to allow use of emergency shelters and feeding sites at 1400 Northwest 3rd Street.
Ordinance to Close a Portion of Northwest 90th Street (Item 9C)
Closing a portion of Northwest 90th Street East of OI Avenue North OI and west of North Francis for pedestrian and cycling access.
Amending Ordinance 26540 Adopting Stockyard City Business Improvement District (Item 9D)
Final hearing on amending the Stockyard City business improvement district ordinance.
Public Hearing Regarding Ordinance Relating to Animals (Item 9E)
Public hearing on amending Chapter 8 of the Oklahoma City Municipal Code regarding animals.
Resolution to Submit Application to Demolish Old City Jail (Item 9F)
Resolution authorizing City staff to submit an application for a certificate of approval from the downtown design Review Committee to demolish The Old City Jail.
Resolution Approving Personnel Policy 721 Regarding Pandemic Leave (Item 9G)
Resolution to adopt a new personnel policy for pandemic leave for city employees.
Resolution Approving Naming of Mary Teresa Sosa Pavilion (Item 9H)
Resolution to name the Pavilion in Manuel Perez Park the Mary Teresa Sosa Pavilion.
Receiving 2020 Update for Oklahoma City Parks Master Plan (Item 9I)
Receiving the updated 2020 Oklahoma City Parks master plan.
Resolution Approving Salary Continuation of Major Brian Cosner (Item 9J)
Resolution to approve salary continuation for Major Brian Cosner.
Executive Session to Discuss Case Involving Winnie Morisy (Item 9K)
Motion to move into executive session for legal discussion.
Claims Recommended for Denial (Item 9L)
Approval of claims recommended for denial.
Claims Recommended for Approval (Item 9XA)
Approval of claims recommended for approval.