Meeting Summary
The City Council addressed various municipal matters, including recognizing an outstanding city employee and approving financial reports for city authorities. Key discussions involved the reestablishment of a small and disadvantaged local business utilization program and the extension of a penalty reduction program for warrants. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a proposed law enforcement study, which was approved despite strong public and some council opposition, and a medical marijuana zoning ordinance proposal, which was deferred for further industry consultation. Public comments were largely critical of police actions and city leadership.
Key Decisions & Votes
Recognition of Megan Hil
02:00A resolution was adopted to thank and commend Megan Hil for her dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the residents of Oklahoma City.
Law Enforcement Study Consultant Selection
01:17:00A Professional Services agreement with 21 CP Solutions to conduct a law enforcement study was approved by a 5-3 vote. The contract, not to exceed $193,130, is largely covered by a $175,000 grant from the Inasmuch Foundation. An oversight committee will be formed from RFP committee volunteers.
Burn Permit Fee Removal and Eligibility Expansion
02:14:40An ordinance was adopted with an emergency to remove the fee for burn permits and expand eligibility to R1 zoned properties of one acre or greater, provided specific safety conditions are met. Public education on the changes will follow.
Small and Disadvantaged Local Business Utilization Program
02:30:50A resolution was approved to reestablish a program promoting the use of small and disadvantaged local business subcontractors on public construction contracts, including for the 2017 Bond, sales tax, and MAPS 4 projects.
Mask Up OKC Resolution
02:43:30A resolution supporting the 'Mask Up OKC' campaign and encouraging businesses to require masks and social distancing was approved by a 6-3 vote.
Penalty Reduction Program Extension
02:49:00A resolution to extend the penalty reduction program for defendants with warrants for class A offenses (prior to Dec 31, 2018) was amended to June 30, 2021, and subsequently approved. The program has cleared over 3,600 warrants and collected over $340,000.
Medical Marijuana Zoning Ordinance Proposal
02:51:30A proposal to amend the zoning code regarding medical marijuana, creating distinct use units and operational conditions (e.g., no drive-throughs, 1000ft separation from residential for grows), was deferred to February 2nd for further consultation with industry stakeholders and consideration of state legislative changes.
Upcoming Community Events
Opening Night 'Fresh Paint' Program
Showcasing young artists of color (Shakura Maynard, Verine Thompson, Jesse K Shelton, Jasmine Jones, Anthony Brock) in murals, with work displayed at Factory Obscura.
One Church One Child Event
Fostering and adoption event, including giveaways of food, toys, and hens for the community.
Oklahoma Film and TV Academy Training
Film crew and set ready training for individuals over 18 at Green Pasture Studios. Contact 944-0600 or OklahomaFilmAndTVAcademy.com.
Financial Matters
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (MFA) Financial Statements
The MFA's net position increased by $5.4 million, reaching a total of $42.1 million.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPA) Financial Statements
The OCPA's net position decreased by $3.4 million, totaling $59.3 million, primarily due to reduced public event charges and depreciation of Fairgrounds assets. Golf's negative position improved by $1.7 million to -$3.2 million.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust Financial Statements
The Trust saw a $10.5 million increase in its net position, mainly from increased cash and investments.
City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR)
The city ended the fiscal year with a net position of $2.4 billion, an increase from the prior year's $2.3 billion. Component units had a net position of $1.7 billion. Pension funds saw a $13 million increase in net position, with OCRES 101.4% funded as of December 31, 2018. The total governmental funds balance was $1.2 billion, a decrease of $29.7 million due to MAPS 3 funds spin down. The general fund ended at $106.7 million, an increase from 2019.
COVID Relief Program Administrative Costs (Item 7 AF/AG)
An increase of $150,000 was approved for administrative wrap-up costs for the Community Foundation of Oklahoma related to the resident support program, with remaining program funds of $12.5 million to be disseminated.
Department of Justice (DOJ) Grant (Item 7 A)
Acceptance of a $250,000 award from the DOJ for DNA capacity enhancement and backlog reduction program.
Development Impact Fee Adjustments
An annual adjustment of development impact fees based on the construction cost index, resulting in a 1.49% increase (1.2% from prior year). Parks and trails fees remain unchanged, while streets fees increased by approximately one cent across categories.
Sales Tax Report
Sales tax revenue is down 5.33% for the year, with an 8% decline in December. However, sales tax is still $7 million above target. Use tax shows 11% growth for the year. Combined sales and use tax is $10.6 million over target.
Public Comments
Public comments were predominantly critical, focusing on police brutality, lack of accountability from city leadership (Mayor Holt, City Manager Freeman, Police Chief Gorley), and the perceived waste of taxpayer money on studies or police funding. Many speakers demanded defunding the police, investing in community programs, and holding officers accountable for violence. Concerns were also raised about the proposed medical marijuana ordinance, with industry stakeholders arguing it was an overreach, lacked consultation, and would negatively impact businesses and patients. Several speakers also highlighted the impact of COVID-19 and the need for stronger safety measures.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Item 9 A2 (uncontested continuance) deferred to January 5th.
- Item 9 M (resolution for demolition of the old city jail) deferred to January 5th.
- Items 9 I1 A and I1 D (dilapidated structures) deferred to January 19th.
- Item 9 K1 G (abandoned building) deferred to January 19th.
- Item 11 C (medical marijuana zoning ordinance proposal) deferred to February 2nd.
Deadlines
- The CARES Act extension to December 2021 is expected to be signed by the President.
- The Penalty Reduction Program for warrants has been extended to June 30, 2021.
Watch For
- An amended contract for the City County Health Department (COVID relief) will be brought back at a later date.
- Amendments to extend COVID relief program contracts further are anticipated.
- The single audit (federal and state programs) is delayed until March.
- A public hearing for the impounded animals ordinance is set for January 5th, with a final hearing on January 19th.
- A budget workshop with economist Russell Evans is scheduled for February 9th to discuss the economic outlook and sales tax projections.
- The state legislative session starts in February, with potential bills affecting the medical marijuana industry.
Announcements
- Megan Hil was recognized as December 2020 South Oklahoma City Quanas Club Employee of the Month.
- The City County Health Department is conducting public media campaigns for the holidays regarding COVID-19 safety.
- The 'Fresh Paint' program will showcase young artists of color in murals for Opening Night, featuring Shakura Maynard, Verine Thompson, Jesse K Shelton, Jasmine Jones, and Anthony Brock.
- OKC Black Eats visitors guide is highlighting black restaurants in the city.
- The Oklahoma Film and TV Academy at Green Pasture Studios offers film crew training for individuals over 18, with opportunities for new careers in the booming film and TV industry.
Agenda Summary
Office of the Mayor
Resolution to thank and commend Megan Hil for her dedication, professionalism, and commitment to residents.
Item 4 Journal of council proceedings
Approval of journal of council proceedings, items A and B.
Item 5 Request for uncontested continuances
Various items were continued or struck from the agenda, including Item 9 A2 (continued to January 5th), Item 7 AE (amend contract with City County Health Department for COVID relief, struck), Item 9 J1 (unsecured structures D, E, I, J, struck), Item 9 K1 (abandoned buildings B, H, struck), and Item 9 M (resolution for demolition of old city jail, deferred to January 5th).
Item 6 Revocable permits
No items were listed under revocable permits.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA) Items A-E
Acceptance of financial statements for the MFA, PPA, Environmental Assistance Trust, and the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPA) Items A-C
Approval of various items, including Golf Commission appointments.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust Items A-B
Approval of items related to the Environmental Assistance Trust.
Consent Docket Items O1, O2, O3
Funding for the Boys and Girls Club of Oklahoma County for out-of-school programming.
Consent Docket Item S
Contract for the Public Works Department to add a second contractor for storm debris removal from arterial streets, churches, and public schools.
Consent Docket Item V2
Residential sidewalk and pavement repairs and transit sidewalks for Wards 3, 6, and 7, including upgrades on Northeast 36th Street.
Consent Docket Item 7 AD
Professional Services agreement with 21 CP Solutions to conduct a law enforcement study.
Consent Docket Items AF and AG
Amendments to contracts for administrative services related to COVID relief programs, extending them due to anticipated CARES Act extension.
Consent Docket Item AJ
Fiscal Year 2020 Public Safety Sales Tax Report, reviewing expenses for police and fire services.
Consent Docket Item A
Accepting a $250,000 award from the Department of Justice for a DNA capacity enhancement and backlog reduction program.
Consent Docket Item AU
An item related to police funding or operations, subject of significant public comment.
Item 8 Concurrence Docket Items A-F
Approval of various items on the concurrence docket.
Item 9 A1
Ordinance on Final Hearing to rezone 2820 General Pershing Boulevard from I2 to R4 for affordable workforce housing.
Item 9 B
Ordinance on Final Hearing to close a 90-foot portion of an East-West utility easement at 5304 Northwest 158 Street.
Item 9 C
Ordinance on Final Hearing relating to Personnel and Retirement Systems, changing 'Personnel Department' to 'Human Resources'.
Item 9 D
Ordinance on Final Hearing to remove the 2-hour time limited parking on the east side of North Broadway (45ft-110ft north of NW 4th St) to create a loading zone.
Item 9 E1
Public Hearing regarding the Adventure District Business Improvement District (BID) assessment District Number Nine.
Item 9 E2
Resolution adopting and confirming an assessment role for the Adventure District Business Improvement District.
Item 9 F
Ordinance on Final Hearing adopting and setting the assessment role for year 2021 for the Adventure District Business Improvement District.
Item 9 G
Ordinance to be introduced and adopted with an emergency relating to fire prevention and protection, removing the fee required to secure a burn permit and expanding eligibility to R1 zoned properties (1 acre or greater) under specific safety conditions.
Item 9 H
Ordinance to be introduced, set for public hearing January 5th, and final hearing on January 19th, amending chapter 8 of the Municipal Code related to reclamation of impounded animals.
Item 9 I1
Public Hearing regarding dilapidated structures. Items I1 A and I1 D were deferred.
Item 9 I2
Resolution declaring listed structures dilapidated (except for those previously deferred).
Item 9 J1
Public Hearing regarding unsecured structures (except for those that were struck at the beginning of the meeting).
Item 9 J2
Resolution declaring listed structures unsecured.
Item 9 K1
Public Hearing regarding abandoned buildings (except for those that were struck or deferred). Item K1 G was deferred.
Item 9 K2
Resolution declaring listed buildings abandoned.
Item 9 L1
Public Hearing regarding the 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan.
Item 9 L2
Resolution adopting The Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan.
Item 9 N
Resolution to reestablish the Small and Disadvantaged Local Business Utilization Program to promote and encourage the use of small and disadvantaged local business subcontractors on public construction contracts.
Item 9 O1
Resolution approving the request for salary continuation for Lieutenant Allen Hedge while he continues to require rehabilitation.
Item 9 P1
Resolution approving the request for salary continuation for Lieutenant Howard Henderson while he continues to require rehabilitation.
Item 10 A1 Claims recommended for approval
Approval of claims A through E.
Item 11 A
Resolution in support of Mask Up OKC and encouraging businesses to require masks and social distancing.
Item 11 B
Resolution declaring an extension to December 31st, 2021 of the penalty Reduction Program that began July 1st, 2019 for defendants with cases and warrant status for class A offenses that occurred prior to December 31st, 2018.
Item 11 C
Ordinance proposal relating to zoning and planning code, amending chapter 59 regarding medical marijuana.