Meeting Summary
The City Council meeting saw the unanimous adoption of a resolution extending the mask ordinance until January 22, 2021, following a presentation on rising COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Key financial decisions included reallocating CARES Act funds to support minority businesses and approving GO bond allocations for property acquisition. Extensive discussions were held regarding ice storm recovery efforts by OG&E and the city's capital improvement plans.
Key Decisions & Votes
Mask Ordinance Extension
38:00The Health and Sanitation Ordinance (Mask Ordinance) was extended with emergency adoption until January 22, 2021, requiring masks in public indoor spaces.
CARES Act Funds Reallocation
1:55:00Resolution to amend the Coronavirus Relief Funds plan, reallocating $2.5 million to the minority business program and allowing unspent funds to reimburse city Public Safety salaries and GO funds after December 15th.
GO Bond Allocation for Property Acquisition
1:45:00A joint resolution with the Economic Development Trust was approved to allocate up to $13 million in GO limited tax bonds for acquiring 577 acres of developable property.
EMSA Indebtedness Approval
1:40:00Resolution approving the Emergency Medical Services Authority to incur $2 million in indebtedness for a private placement note to facilitate the transition of services from AMR to MSA.
Kiva Program Funding
1:20:00Authorization of funds for Progress OKC to manage the Kiva program, providing access to capital for small and disadvantaged businesses, including a revolving loan fund.
Upcoming Community Events
Small Business Saturday
Residents urged to support local businesses through online shopping and curbside pickup options.
Financial Matters
CARES Act Relief Funds Reallocation
Reallocation of $2.5 million from city expenditures to the Community Support Program, specifically for the minority business program, and potential reimbursement of Public Safety salaries and GO funds.
GO Bond Allocation for Property Acquisition
Allocation of up to $13 million in General Obligation Limited Tax Bonds for the acquisition of 577 acres of developable property.
EMSA Indebtedness for Line of Credit
Approval for the Emergency Medical Services Authority to incur $2 million in indebtedness for a private placement note to cover expenses during the transition from AMR to MSA.
5-Year Capital Improvement Plan
Proposed plan for fiscal years 2021-2025 totaling over $2.9 billion, with trust funds and GO bonds as major contributors.
Small Business Continuity Program
Update on the program, including 347 applications for the minority-owned business program, with $850,000 disbursed or approved for 50 businesses.
Sales and Use Tax Report
Report indicating a 5% decrease in sales tax for the month but a $9.5 million surplus over projections for the year, partly due to federal assistance.
Public Comments
Two citizens spoke, emphasizing the reality of science regarding public health measures and expressing frustration with the council members who question mask efficacy. They highlighted the severe impact of the pandemic and power outages on vulnerable populations, advocating for stronger mandates and remote participation options for public meetings.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Dilapidated structures items (9F1, 9G1-2) postponed to December 8th.
Deadlines
- December 30: Deadline for spending CARES Act funds.
Watch For
- December 8th: Public hearing for Personnel and Retirement Systems ordinance (9E).
- December 8th: Presentations on Capital Improvement Plan from Utilities and Public Works.
- December 22nd: Final hearing for Personnel and Retirement Systems ordinance (9E).
- December 22nd: Public hearing and consideration for adoption of the 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan (9J).
- Next City Council meeting: Contract for tree company to help with debris in medians and parks.
Announcements
- Proclamation for Oklahoma City's Small Business Saturday on November 28th.
- Commendation for Lieutenant James Woodard as November 2020 South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club Employee of the Month.
- Council members wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and encouraged vigilance during the pandemic.
- Congratulations to Taya Cox for reappointment to the Bond Advisory Committee.
- Thanks to IMSA and John Graham for providing flu shots; residents encouraged to get flu shots.
- Congratulations to Coronado and Crown Heights neighborhoods for park improvements.
- Update on Small Business Continuity Program, including minority-owned business applications.
- OG&E provided an update on ice storm response and future grid enhancement plans.
- Sales and Use Tax report indicates the city is performing better than budgeted despite a 5% decrease.
Agenda Summary
Proclamation for Oklahoma City's Small Business Saturday
A proclamation recognizing November 28th as Small Business Saturday, encouraging residents to support local businesses during the holiday season.
Resolution of Commendation for Lieutenant James Woodard
Recognizing Lt. James Woodard for his selection as November 2020 South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club Employee of the Month for his work in the EMS Training Division, particularly with COVID-19 screening.
Appointments to various boards and committees (3B-E)
Appointments to the Board of Appeals Building Code, Bond Advisory Committee, IMSA, and the Oklahoma City Economic Development Trust.
Journal of Council Proceedings (4A-B)
Approval of the minutes from previous council proceedings.
Request for Uncontested Continuances (9F1, 9G1-2)
Items related to dilapidated structures were stricken from the agenda and will be brought back on December 8th.
Health and Sanitation Ordinance (Mask Ordinance) (10A)
An ordinance to extend the Oklahoma City COVID-19 Safety Code, requiring seven affirmative votes for emergency adoption, extending the expiration date to January 22, 2021.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA) Items (A-F)
Various items under the OCMFA, including a pin report for a road widening project on Southwest 15th Street.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPPA) Items (A-F)
Various items under the OCPPA.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (OCEAT) Items (A-B)
Items related to the residential debris removal program following the ice storm.
Consent Docket (Item 7)
A collection of routine items, including an amendment to item I, and item T requiring emergency adoption.
Concurrence Docket (Items 8A-H, excluding 8F)
A collection of items for concurrence, with item 8F pulled for separate discussion.
Concurrence Docket Item 8F (Progress OKC/Kiva Program)
Authorization of funds for the Kiva program, managed by Progress OKC, to provide access to capital for small and disadvantaged businesses.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 11207 Northwest 5th Terrace Rezoning (9A1)
Rezoning from R1 R2 and PUD 1283 to R2 to allow one and two-family housing.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 13654 Southwestern Avenue Rezoning (9A2)
Rezoning from PUD 1229 and PUD 1308 to PUD 1779 for the MAPS Wellness Center.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 4500 South Luther Road Rezoning (9A3)
Rezoning from AA to SPD 1253 for a martial arts studio.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 8820 West Hefner Road Rezoning (9A4)
Rezoning from PUD 1057 to Spud 1254 to add animal sales and services use.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 500 South Mustang Road Rezoning (9A5)
Rezoning from PUD 287 to Spud 1255 to allow general commercial uses.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 3610 North Chartel Rezoning (9A6)
Rezoning from R1 to Spud 1256 to allow two dwellings on a corner lot.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 2129 Northwest 30th Rezoning (9A7)
Rezoning from R1 to Spud 1257 for Sisu Youth Services to adapt an abandoned church into a shelter and transitional living facility.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 1615 Northwest 1st Rezoning (9A8)
Rezoning from R2 to Spud 1258 for single-family residences infill.
Public Hearing: Uptown 23rd Business Improvement District (9B1)
Public hearing regarding the Uptown 23rd Business Improvement District.
Resolution: Uptown 23rd Business Improvement District Assessment Role (9B2)
Adopting and confirming an assessment role for the Uptown 23rd Business Improvement District for year 2020-2021.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: Uptown 23rd Business Improvement District Assessment Role (9C)
Adopting and setting the assessment role for the Uptown 23rd Business Improvement District.
Public Hearing: Pre-qualification of City Contractors (9D)
Public hearing regarding a proposed ordinance change for pre-qualification of city contractors.
Ordinance to be Introduced: Personnel and Retirement Systems (9E)
An ordinance to modernize terminology, changing 'Personnel Department' to 'Human Resources Department' and 'Personnel Director' to 'Chief Human Resources Officer'.
Public Hearing: GO Bond Allocation (9H1)
Public hearing regarding a joint resolution with the Oklahoma City Economic Development Trust approving an allocation of General Obligation Limited Tax Bond proceeds.
Resolution: GO Bond Allocation (9H2)
Approving an allocation of GO limited tax bonds not to exceed $13 million for transfer to the OIA for acquiring 577 acres of developable property.
Resolution: Amending Coronavirus Relief Funds Plan (9I)
Amending the Coronavirus Relief Funds plan to reallocate $2.5 million to the minority business program and allow reallocation of unspent funds to city expense categories (Public Safety salaries, GO fund reimbursement) after December 15th.
Resolution to be Introduced: 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan FY21-25 (9J)
Adopting the 5-year Capital Improvement Plan for fiscal years 2021 to 2025, totaling over $2.9 billion.
Resolution: Amending Housing Exterior Maintenance Program Policies (9K)
Approving an amendment to Chapter 4, item c1c of the City of Oklahoma City Housing Programs policies to increase the cap on single house projects.
Resolution: EMSA Indebtedness (9L)
Approving the incurrence of indebtedness by the Emergency Medical Services Authority for a $2 million private placement note associated with a line of credit for the transition from AMR to MSA.
Resolution: Cooper V City of OKC (9M1)
Authorizing administrative counsel to confess judgment without an admission of liability in the case of Cooper V City of OKC.