Meeting Summary
The City Council extended the COVID-19 Safety Code, requiring face coverings, until December 7th. A contentious zoning application for a medical marijuana dispensary on Classen Boulevard was denied due to significant neighborhood protest and concerns about compatibility with the historic corridor's future vision. Additionally, an application for a senior living facility in an industrial area was denied over safety and environmental concerns.
Key Decisions & Votes
COVID-19 Safety Code Extension
01:03:00The ordinance extending the city's COVID-19 Safety Code, requiring face coverings, was adopted with an emergency clause, extending the mandate through December 6th, 2020.
Resolution recognizing Daniel Sherk
00:10:00A resolution was adopted recognizing and commending Daniel Sherk on his selection as the October 2020 Teacher of the Month.
Zoning at 4320 North Military Avenue (SPUD 1224)
00:44:00A zoning application for a residential development was approved with amendments limiting maximum square footage to 2200 sq ft for Area 1 and 3000 sq ft for primary dwelling units in Areas 2 and 3.
Zoning at 927 East Reno Avenue (SPUD 1107)
01:15:00An application for a senior living facility in an industrial area was denied due to concerns about environmental impacts, noise from nearby industrial operations, and incompatibility with the proposed residential use.
Zoning at 3721 North Classen Boulevard (SPUD 1234)
01:45:00An application to rezone for a medical marijuana sales dispensary was denied due to significant neighborhood protest (85%) and concerns about setting a precedent for retail in the O2 office district of Classen Boulevard.
Coronavirus Relief Funds Plan Amendment
02:55:00A resolution was adopted to amend the Coronavirus Relief Funds plan, allocating an additional $2.75 million for a minority small business continuity program.
Resolution recognizing Intersex Awareness Day
03:30:00A resolution was adopted recognizing October 26, 2020, as Intersex Awareness Day to promote visibility and awareness of issues faced by intersex individuals.
Upcoming Community Events
Biketober
10:00 AM to 8:00 PM at Riversport, featuring a community bike ride, maintenance clinic, skills courses, and a screening of the movie 'Rad'.
Thrive Outside
Outdoor activities and skills training at Riversport, showcasing a new nature trail.
Holiday Event Series
Riversport will host a series of holiday events to encourage outdoor activity.
Financial Matters
Coronavirus Relief Funds Plan Amendment
An additional $2.75 million was allocated for a minority small business continuity program, including $2 million for grants, $500,000 for technical assistance and retrofits, and $250,000 for economic recovery and resiliency planning.
Riversport Quarterly Update
Riversport experienced a substantial financial impact from COVID-19, with capacity at 50%, total income down $1.4 million, and net income down $450,500. The organization received federal, state, and local assistance, including PPP and IDOL loans/grants, state relief grants, and city small business continuity grants.
Small Business Continuity Program Update
Round one payments are complete, and round two is nearing completion. The program funded 11 venues for $1.5 million, with $500,000 remaining. The reimbursement program funded 664 applicants for over $25 million, the retrofit program funded 117 applicants, and the technical assistance program funded 120 applicants.
Public Comments
Public comments focused on several contentious zoning cases, with residents expressing concerns about increased density, square footage, and the precedent set by new developments. Opposition was also voiced against the panhandling ordinance appeal, citing its ineffectiveness and the criminalization of poverty. Support was given for Intersex Awareness Day, emphasizing visibility and human rights.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Item 9E1c (Dilapidated structure at 2204 N Kelly Ave) deferred to the next meeting.
- Item 9I1 (Appeal to Supreme Court re: panhandling ordinance) deferred for two weeks.
Deadlines
- CARES Act funds must be spent by December 30th.
Watch For
- Introduction of a micro-lending platform and a low-interest revolving loan fund by the Alliance for Economic Development.
- Development code update to implement Plan OKC and support BRT corridors.
- Northwest BRT project is planned to open service in 2023.
- Riversport will host a holiday event series starting in December.
- Potential resolutions for Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Announcements
- October proclaimed as Fire Prevention Month.
- Daniel Sherk recognized as October 2020 Teacher of the Month.
- David Greenwell notified as new Vice Mayor for a six-month period.
- Councilwoman Nice and Ward 7 recognized for the Homeland store groundbreaking.
- Councilman Cooper and Councilwoman Hammond participated in a 'Let's Fix This' podcast episode about city charter changes.
- Britain District invited Councilman Cooper to their First Friday event.
- Councilwoman Nice and Aaron Wilder thanked for voter registration and mask distribution event in the Paseo.
- Kendra Wilson Clement and Sarah Adams Cornell thanked for hosting an Indigenous People's Day event.
- Councilwoman Nice recognized by the Journal Record as one of 50 women making a difference and by 405 Magazine as a Community Visionary.
- Randy Bennett, a Council staff member, is retiring this week.
- Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month were mentioned for October.
- Unveiling of the Freedom Center sign on Martin Luther King Avenue.
- Riversport renewed its Olympic Training Site designation through 2022.
Agenda Summary
Item 3A: Resolution recognizing Daniel Sherk
Resolution recognizing and commending Daniel Sherk on his selection as the October 2020 Teacher of the Month.
Item 3B: Notification for David Greenwell
Notification for David Greenwell to serve as Vice Mayor for the six-month period beginning today.
Item 4: Journal of council proceedings
Approval of the Journal of Council Proceedings.
Item 5: Request for uncontested continuances
Several items related to dilapidated, unsecured, and abandoned structures were either deferred to a later date or stricken from the agenda due to owner compliance or reclassification.
Item 6: Revocable permits
Consideration of applications for revocable permits.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA) items A-D
Various items under the OCMFA.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPA) items A-C
Various items under the OCPA.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust items A-B
Various items under the Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust.
Item 10A: Ordinance amending Chapter 23 (COVID-19 Safety Code)
Ordinance to be introduced and adopted with emergency, amending Chapter 23 entitled Health and Sanitation to extend the Oklahoma City COVID-19 Safety Code.
Item 7 (Consent Docket)
Various items including housing rehabilitation loans, Crown Heights Park improvements, Portland Avenue street enhancement, Western Avenue pedestrian improvements, and MAPS 4 program consulting services.
Item 8 (Concurrence Docket) items A-N
Various items on the concurrence docket.
Item 9A1: Zoning at 1300 North Mustang Road
Ordinance on Final Hearing for rezoning from PUD 1538 to RA (Single Family 1 Acre Rural).
Item 9A2: Zoning at 927 East Reno Avenue
Ordinance on Final Hearing for rezoning from I1 to SPUD 1107 for a senior living facility.
Item 9A3: Zoning at 4320 North Military Avenue
Ordinance on Final Hearing for rezoning from R1 to SPUD 1224 for a residential development.
Item 9A4: Zoning at 1335 West Sheridan Avenue
Ordinance on Final Hearing for rezoning from I2 to SPUD 1239 for the Jesus House expansion.
Item 9A5: Zoning at 11820 Northwest Expressway
Ordinance on Final Hearing for rezoning from DAA to SPUD 1241 for commercial use.
Item 9A6: Zoning at 505 Oakdale Drive
Ordinance on Final Hearing for rezoning from SPUD 1181 to SPUD 1242 to correct a legal description error.
Item 9A7: Zoning at 621 North Oklahoma Avenue
Ordinance on Final Hearing for rezoning from Downtown Business District to SPUD 1243 for an interior cannabis grow facility.
Item 9B: Zoning at 3721 North Classen Boulevard
Ordinance on Final Hearing for rezoning from O2 to SPUD 1234 for a medical marijuana sales dispensary.
Item 9C1: Close portion of Northwest 58th Street
Ordinance on Final Hearing to close a portion of Northwest 58th Street between Classen Court and North Chartel.
Item 9C2: Close portions of North-South Alleyways of Orchard Park Edition
Ordinance on Final Hearing to close portions of the north-south alleyways of Orchard Park Edition.
Item 9D: Ordinance amending medical marijuana business fees
Ordinance to be introduced, setting for public hearing, amending the fee structure for certificates of compliance for medical marijuana related businesses.
Item 9E1: Public hearing regarding dilapidated structures
Public hearing regarding various dilapidated structures, with one item (9E1c) deferred.
Item 9E2: Resolution declaring structures dilapidated
Resolution declaring structures dilapidated (excluding deferred item).
Item 9F1: Public hearing regarding unsecured structures
Public hearing regarding various unsecured structures.
Item 9F2: Resolution declaring structures unsecure
Resolution declaring structures unsecure.
Item 9G1: Public hearing regarding abandoned buildings
Public hearing regarding various abandoned buildings.
Item 9G2: Resolution declaring buildings abandoned
Resolution declaring buildings abandoned.
Item 9H: Resolution amending Coronavirus Relief Funds plan
Resolution amending the Coronavirus Relief Funds plan and subcategory allocations to include a minority small business continuity program.
Item 9I1: Authorizing appeal to Supreme Court in McGravy v. City of OKC
Resolution authorizing the municipal counselor to file an appeal to the Supreme Court regarding the panhandling ordinance.
Item 9I2: Executive session re: Drew Kincoer v. City of OKC
Enter into executive session on advice of the municipal counselor to receive confidential communications concerning the case of Drew Kincoer v. City of OKC.
Item 9J: Executive session re: Stewart v. City of OKC
Enter into executive session on advice of the municipal counselor to receive confidential communications regarding pending mediation in the case of Stewart v. City of OKC.
Item 9K: Executive session re: McGravy v. City of OKC
Enter into executive session on advice of the municipal counselor to receive confidential communications from its attorney concerning the case of McGravy v. City of OKC.
Item 10B: Resolution recognizing Intersex Awareness Day
Resolution recognizing October 26, 2020, as Intersex Awareness Day.