Meeting Summary
The City Council meeting included several recognitions, notably for Mary Blankenship Pointer's service to Sister Cities International OKC and the Arts Council Oklahoma City for the 35th annual Opening Night. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a contentious discussion and vote on a professional services agreement for a law enforcement study, which ultimately passed. Additionally, a proposed ordinance regarding medical marijuana regulations was deferred for further community and industry input.
Key Decisions & Votes
Resolution of commendation for Megan Hale
00:20:00Megan Hale was commended for 15 years of service as an accounting technician in the public transportation and parking department, recognized as the December 2020 South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club Employee of the Month.
Professional Services Agreement for Law Enforcement Study
00:50:00A contract not to exceed $193,130 with 21 CP Solutions LLC to conduct a law enforcement study was approved, with funding largely covered by a grant from the Inasmuch Foundation. The vote was 5-3, following extensive public comment and council discussion.
Ordinance to amend fire prevention and protection code (burn permits)
01:46:00An ordinance was approved to remove the fee for burn permits and amend regulations to include residential properties one acre or greater, provided they meet safety requirements, to assist with debris removal and fuel load reduction.
Ordinance to reestablish Small and Disadvantaged Local Business Utilization Program
02:08:00A resolution was adopted to reestablish a program promoting and encouraging the use of small and disadvantaged local business subcontractors on public construction contracts, building on previous successful programs.
Resolution in support of MaskUp OKC and encouraging businesses to require masks and social distancing
02:30:00A resolution was adopted to support the MaskUp OKC initiative and encourage businesses to enforce mask-wearing and physical distancing to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Extension of Penalty Reduction Program
02:40:00A resolution was approved to extend the penalty reduction program for defendants with warrant status for Class A offenses to June 30, 2021, following an amendment to the original proposed date.
Upcoming Community Events
35th Annual Opening Night
Produced by Arts Council Oklahoma City, this year's event will be a safe, virtual, interactive live stream featuring musical acts, local artists, a countdown to midnight, and fireworks. It includes a 'Fresh Paint' mural competition and a virtual 5K.
Kwanzaa
Councilwoman Nice highlighted the upcoming Kwanzaa celebration, emphasizing its themes of unity, self-determination, collective work, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
Financial Matters
Law Enforcement Study
Professional services agreement with 21 CP Solutions LLC, largely covered by a $175,000 grant from the Inasmuch Foundation.
Coronavirus Relief Fund Resident Support Program
Amendment to the operational agreement with the Communities Foundation of Oklahoma for administrative services, extending the term to March 31, 2021.
Public Safety Sales Tax Report
Report on the fiscal year 2020 public safety sales tax expenditures, ensuring compliance with the journal entry of judgment. All expenses were found to be in conformance.
DOJ Grant for DNA Capacity Enhancement
Acceptance of a grant from the Department of Justice programs through the National Institute of Justice for DNA capacity enhancement and backlog reduction for the Oklahoma City Police Department.
Development Impact Fee Adjustments
Annual adjustment to development impact fees based on the construction cost index, resulting in a 1.49% increase. Parks and trails fees remain unchanged due to rounding, while streets fees increase by about a penny per land use category.
Sales Tax Report
Sales tax is down 5.3% for the year, with December seeing an almost 8% decline. Use tax shows 11% growth. Combined sales and use tax are $10.6 million over target.
Public Comments
Public comments were largely critical of the city's police department, its funding, and the perceived lack of accountability for officer-involved shootings. Speakers expressed frustration with city leadership's responsiveness to community concerns, particularly regarding the law enforcement study and medical marijuana regulations. Several medical marijuana business owners and patients voiced strong opposition to the proposed ordinance, citing over-regulation, potential business closures, and health risks.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Ordinance on final hearing at 2001 North Page Avenue (unsecured structure)
- Ordinance on final hearing at 4400 Southwestern Avenue (unsecured structure)
- Ordinance on final hearing at 5020 Northwest 27th Street (unsecured structure)
- Ordinance on final hearing at 25 Southeast 28th Street (unsecured structure)
- Ordinance on final hearing at 4400 Southwestern Avenue (abandoned building)
- Ordinance on final hearing at 5020 Northwest 27th Street (abandoned building)
- Resolution to move forward with the demolition of the old city jail (deferred to January 5th)
- Proposed ordinance relating to medical marijuana (deferred to February 2nd)
Deadlines
- Penalty Reduction Program extended to June 30, 2021
- Coronavirus Relief Fund Resident Support Program administrative services extended to March 31, 2021
Watch For
- Amendments to the city-county health department contract for COVID relief (testing, tracing, vaccinations)
- Further discussion and potential amendments to the proposed medical marijuana ordinance after deferral
- Budget workshop on February 9th with Russell Evans to discuss economic outlook and sales tax projections
Announcements
- Recognition of Mary Blankenship Pointer for two years of service as chair of Sister Cities International OKC.
- Recognition of Arts Council Oklahoma City for the 35th annual Opening Night, a virtual New Year's Eve celebration.
- Commendation for Megan Hale, December 2020 South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club Employee of the Month.
- City Manager noted the expected approval of a year-long extension for CARES Act spending rights.
- City Auditor's office confirmed no material findings in audits for the fourth consecutive year, and the city is considered a low-risk auditee.
- Councilman Cooper encouraged citizens to watch the Netflix documentary 'Crip Camp' to understand disability rights and city design.
- Councilwoman Nice highlighted 'OKC Black Eats' in the visitors guide and the Oklahoma Film and TV Academy for career opportunities.
Agenda Summary
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Opening of the meeting with an invocation by Reverend Eugene Jenkins and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilman James Cooper.
Recognition of Mary Blankenship Pointer
Recognition for her two years of service as chair of Sister Cities International OKC, highlighting her contributions to growth and international relationships.
Recognition of Arts Council Oklahoma City for Opening Night
Proclamation for the 35th annual Opening Night, a virtual New Year's Eve celebration, acknowledging the efforts of co-chairs and volunteers.
Resolution of commendation for Megan Hale
Commending Megan Hale for 15 years of service and her dedication as an accounting technician, recognized as Employee of the Month.
Journal of Council Proceedings
Approval of the minutes from previous council meetings.
Requests for uncontested continuances
Several items, including a contract amendment for COVID relief and multiple unsecured/abandoned structures, were continued or stricken from the agenda.
Revocable Permits
No items listed under this section.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA) Financial Statements
Acceptance of financial statements for OCMFA, Public Property Authority, Environmental Assistance Trust, and the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
Consent Docket Items 7O1, 7O2, 7O3
Funding for Boys and Girls Club of Oklahoma County for out-of-school programming.
Consent Docket Item 7S
Adding a second contractor for public works to assist with storm debris removal from arterial streets and other public lands.
Consent Docket Item 7V2
Residential sidewalk and pavement repairs and transit sidewalks for Wards 3, 6, and 7, specifically N.E. 36th from Lottie to Lincoln.
Consent Docket Item 7AD
Professional services agreement with 21 CP Solutions LLC to conduct a law enforcement study in support of the Law Enforcement Task Force.
Consent Docket Items 7AF and 7AG
Amendments to operational agreements related to the Coronavirus Relief Fund Resident Support Program, extending administrative services.
Consent Docket Item 7AJ
Receive the Fiscal Year 2020 Public Safety Sales Tax Report.
Consent Docket Item 7AT
Acceptance of a $250,000 grant from the Department of Justice for DNA capacity enhancement and backlog reduction for the police department.
Concurrence Docket Items 8A-8F
Approval of various items on the concurrence docket.
Ordinance on final hearing at 2820 General Pershing Boulevard
Rezoning from I2 to R4 for workforce housing, providing 100% affordable housing at 60% AMI.
Ordinance on final hearing to close a portion of the east-west utility easement at 5304 Northwest 158th Street
Closing a 90-foot easement, recommended for approval by the planning commission.
Ordinance on final hearing relating to personnel and retirement systems
Changing the terminology of the personnel department to human resources.
Ordinance on final hearing removing two-hour time-limited parking on North Broadway
Removing parking limits on the east side of North Broadway to create a loading zone, addressing issues along the streetcar route.
Public hearing regarding the Adventure District Business Improvement District (BID)
Public hearing for assessment district number nine.
Resolution adopting and confirming an assessment roll for the Adventure District BID
Adopting the assessment roll for the BID.
Ordinance on final hearing adopting and setting the assessment roll for year 2021 for the Adventure District BID
Setting the assessment roll for the BID for the year 2021.
Ordinance to be introduced and adopted with an emergency today relating to fire prevention and protection
Amending the municipal code to remove the fee required to secure a burn permit and adjust regulations for residential properties one acre or greater.
Ordinance to be introduced, set for public hearing January 5th, and final hearing on January 19th relating to animals
Amending Chapter 8 of the municipal code related to reclamation of impounded animals, specifically addressing abandonment when owners fail to appear in court for cruelty cases.
Public hearing regarding dilapidated structures
Public hearing on listed dilapidated structures, with some items deferred.
Resolution declaring that the structures are dilapidated
Declaring listed structures as dilapidated, excluding those deferred.
Public hearing regarding unsecured structures
Public hearing on listed unsecured structures, with some items stricken.
Resolution declaring that the structures are unsecured
Declaring listed structures as unsecured.
Public hearing regarding abandoned buildings
Public hearing on listed abandoned buildings, with some items deferred or stricken.
Resolution declaring that the buildings are abandoned
Declaring listed buildings as abandoned.
Public hearing regarding the 5-year Capital Improvement Plan
Public hearing on the proposed 5-year Capital Improvement Plan.
Resolution adopting the five-year Capital Improvement Plan
Adopting the 5-year Capital Improvement Plan, totaling $2.9 billion in projects.
Resolution to reestablish the Small and Disadvantaged Local Business Utilization Program
Reestablishing a program to promote and encourage the use of small and disadvantaged local business subcontractors on public construction contracts.
Resolution approving salary continuation for Lieutenant Alan Hedge
Approving salary continuation for Lieutenant Alan Hedge during rehabilitation.
Resolution approving salary continuation for Lieutenant Howard Henderson
Approving salary continuation for Lieutenant Howard Henderson during rehabilitation.
Claims recommended for approval
Approval of various claims.
Resolution in support of MaskUp OKC and encouraging businesses to require masks and social distancing
Resolution to support mask-wearing and physical distancing to combat COVID-19.
Resolution declaring an extension to December 31st, 2021 of the penalty reduction program
Extension of the penalty reduction program for defendants with warrant status for Class A offenses to June 30, 2021, after amendment.
Proposed ordinance relating to zoning and planning code amending chapter 59 (medical marijuana)
Proposal to better regulate the medical marijuana industry by creating distinct use units and establishing conditions for operations. Deferred to February 2nd for further discussion.
Development Impact Fee Adjustments
Report on the annual adjustment to development impact fees.
Enhanced Recreational Opportunities and Community Wellness Report
Report on council priorities regarding recreational opportunities and community wellness.
Sales Tax Report
Report on the current sales tax and use tax revenue performance.