Meeting Summary
The City Council meeting addressed various city operations, including economic development updates, revocable permits, and several planning cases. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the allocation and amendment of CARES Act funds, with extensive public comment regarding support for minority-owned businesses. The council also discussed the controversial median safety ordinance, ultimately deferring a decision on appealing the 10th Circuit Court's ruling.
Key Decisions & Votes
Resolution of Commendation for Tracy Lane
00:09:00A resolution commending Tracy Lane for 31 years of service as a collection and distribution operator in the Utilities Department, recognizing his dedication and a specific act of kindness.
Revocable Permit for '24 the Hard Way' Event
00:22:00A revocable permit was granted to Friends of Multi-Sport for the '24 the Hard Way' event to be held in Bluff Creek Park from October 16th to 18th.
Limited Revocable Rowing and Paddle Practice Use Permit
00:23:00A limited revocable permit was granted to the Riversport Foundation for rowing and paddle practice use.
Zoning Change at 1414 SW 89th Street
00:48:00Rezoning from O2 (General Office) to C1 (Neighborhood Commercial District) was approved with no protests.
Zoning Change at 11319 N County Line Road
00:49:00Rezoning from AA (Agricultural) to R1 (Single Family) was approved with no protests.
Zoning Change at 1868 Lowry Avenue
00:50:00Rezoning from I2 to I3 was approved for a storage facility yard for fiber optic communications installation.
Zoning Change at 9001 SW 44th
00:52:00Rezoning from R1 to C3 was approved for the development of retail buildings at the northwest corner of 44th and County Line.
Zoning Change at 25 SW 50th Street
00:54:00Rezoning from R1 to R2 was approved for an infill project near SW 50th and Santa Fe.
Zoning Change at 500 S Cemetery Road
00:55:00A downzoning from R3 to R2 was approved.
Zoning Change at 1300 N Blackwelder Avenue
01:19:00Rezoning from R2 to SPUD1228 was approved for a pocket community with 10 houses and three townhouse buildings.
Zoning Change at 2359 NW 10th Street
01:20:00Rezoning from C3 to SPUD1230 was approved.
Zoning Change at 3924 N Youngs Boulevard
01:21:00Rezoning from R1 to SPUD1231 was approved.
Zoning Change at 3931 NW 8th Street
01:22:00Rezoning from R1 to SPUD1232 was approved, with the applicant agreeing to eliminate communication power not being used.
Zoning Change at 3121 N Pennsylvania
01:23:00Rezoning from R1 to SPUD1233 was approved with an amendment to add landscaping (bushes/greenery) along Pennsylvania.
Zoning Change at 824 N Phillips Avenue
01:27:00Rezoning from PUD1367 to SPUD1235 was approved for a facility for adults seeking cancer treatment.
Zoning Change at 3500 SW 119th Street
01:28:00Rezoning from AA (Agriculture) to SPUD1236 was approved for the continued expansion of Mid-America Christian University, with an amendment to reduce the brick requirement from 60% to 50%.
Zoning Change at 12 NE 102nd Street
01:31:00Rezoning from SPUD1060 to SPUD1237 was approved to allow for the storage and sale of sod, with medical marijuana uses specifically excluded.
Zoning Change at 10549 NW 10th
01:33:00Rezoning from SPUD769 to SPUD1238 was approved to allow personal storage.
Zoning Change at 4641 NW 63rd Street
01:34:00Rezoning from R1 to SPUD1240 was approved for a multi-family use, with an amendment to set the maximum allowable units at 64.
Closure of a Portion of SE 89th Street
01:42:00The closure of a portion of SE 89th Street between Southeastern and South Pole Road was approved.
Downtown Business Improvement District Assessment Role
01:54:00A resolution adopting and confirming an assessment role for the Downtown Business Improvement District was approved.
Downtown Business Improvement District Ordinance
01:55:00An ordinance adopting and setting the assessment role for the Downtown Business Improvement District for 2020-2021 was approved.
Sole Source Professional Services Agreement with Downtown OKC Partnership
01:56:00A resolution approving a sole source professional services agreement with Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership to operate the Business Improvement District was approved.
Resolution Declaring Dilapidated Structures
01:58:00A resolution declaring structures as dilapidated was approved, excluding deferred or stricken items.
Resolution Declaring Unsecured Structures
01:59:00A resolution declaring structures as unsecured was approved.
Resolution Declaring Abandoned Structures
02:00:00A resolution declaring structures as abandoned was approved, excluding deferred or stricken items.
FY2021 Budget Amendment for Airport's Fund
02:01:00A resolution adopting an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2021 budget for the Airport's Fund and other various funds was approved.
CARES Act Funds Plan Amendment
02:37:00A resolution amending the Coronavirus Relief Funds Plan and sub-category allocations was approved, reallocating funds to community support programs.
Amendment to Operating Agreement with Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
02:38:00An amendment to the operating agreement with the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation was approved, related to a sewage monitoring program for COVID-19.
Amendment to Operating Agreement with First Fidelity Bank (Small Business Continuity Program)
02:39:00An amendment to the operating agreement with First Fidelity Bank regarding the Small Business Continuity Program was approved, adding funds to fully fund qualified applications.
Amendment to Operating Agreement with The Alliance (Small Business Technical Assistance Program)
02:40:00An amendment to the operating agreement with The Alliance regarding the Small Business Technical Assistance Program was approved, increasing funds for additional projects and administrative costs.
Amendment to Operating Agreement with Communities Foundation of Oklahoma (Resident Support Program)
02:40:00An amendment to the operating agreement with Communities Foundation of Oklahoma regarding the Resident Support Program was approved, increasing the administrative budget to enhance capacity.
Amendment to Operating Agreement with Oklahoma City-County Health Department (Testing and Tracing Program)
02:41:00An amendment to the operating agreement with the Oklahoma City-County Health Department regarding the Testing and Tracing Program was approved, allowing flexibility in fund movement between subcategories and potential use for vaccinations.
Agreement with United Way (Non-Profit Assistance Program)
02:42:00An agreement with United Way allocating up to $1 million for a new non-profit assistance program was approved.
Resolution Authorizing Indebtedness by Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust
02:48:00A resolution authorizing the incurrence of indebtedness by the Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust was approved, aiming to save ratepayers approximately $19.2 million through a taxable advance refunding.
Salary Continuation for Corporal Tommy Allen
02:49:00A resolution approving the request for salary continuation for Corporal Tommy Allen was approved.
Salary Continuation for Lieutenant Kevin Warner
02:50:00A resolution approving the request for salary continuation for Lieutenant Kevin Warner was approved.
Claims Recommended for Denial
03:07:00Claims recommended for denial were approved.
Claims Recommended for Approval
03:08:00Claims recommended for approval were approved.
Appeal of Median Safety Ordinance to Supreme Court
03:28:00A motion to defer the decision on authorizing an appeal to the Supreme Court regarding the median safety ordinance for two weeks was approved.
Upcoming Community Events
Bike to Work Week
Councilwoman Hammond and Councilman Cooper participated, taking over social media accounts to share biking experiences and tips.
Voter Registration Drive and Mask Giveaway
Hosted by Councilwoman Nice and Councilman Cooper in the Paseo district, at 3010 Paseo, near Holy Rollers and Literati Press.
District Meetup and Open House
To be held in the Britton District to celebrate revitalization and placemaking efforts.
Northeast Farmers Market
Held at the Pitts Recreation Center, concluding a successful season.
Voter Registration and Census Event
Held at JFK Park, with participation from the Oklahoma City Thunder (Rumble), Oklahoma City Zoo, and Subaru.
Groundbreaking Ceremony
At 36th and Lincoln, for a new development in Northeast Oklahoma City.
Ribbon Cutting for Restored Market
At 1708 NE 23rd Street, for the 'With Love Project' to provide another grocery option in the community.
Financial Matters
CARES Act Funds Reallocation
Reallocated from city COVID-19 response expenditures to community support, primarily for small business continuity and technical assistance programs, and a new non-profit assistance program.
Small Business Continuity and Payroll Reimbursement Program
Additional allocation to fully fund qualified applications, bringing the total to $22.5 million.
Small Business Technical Assistance and Business Retrofit Program
Additional allocation, bringing the total to $3 million.
Resident Support Program Administration
Increase in administrative budget to enhance capacity, hire additional staff, and improve online application process.
United Way of Central Oklahoma Non-Profit Assistance Program
New allocation to assist non-profit organizations with payroll or lost revenues due to the pandemic.
Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust Indebtedness
Estimated savings from a taxable advance refunding of the Series 2011 bonds, contributing to a total of $42 million in cash savings for ratepayers in 2020 through three transactions.
Median Safety Ordinance Legal Fees
Amount already spent defending the median safety ordinance in court.
Sales Tax Report (September)
Sales tax was down about 5% in September, but the city is $6.8 million ahead of target when combining sales and use tax for the year.
Public Comments
Public comments were primarily focused on two main topics: the allocation of CARES Act funds and the appeal of the median safety ordinance. Several speakers, predominantly from the northeast side of Oklahoma City, advocated for more intentional support for minority and women-owned businesses, highlighting the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on their communities and the need for accessible funding and technical assistance. Regarding the median safety ordinance, all speakers urged the council not to appeal the 10th Circuit Court's ruling, citing the financial cost, the ordinance's ineffectiveness, and its negative impact on vulnerable populations.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Zoning Change at 10549 NW 10th (9A18)
- Public Hearing regarding Dilapidated Structures (9G1C)
- Public Hearing regarding Abandoned Structures (9I1G)
- Appeal of Median Safety Ordinance to Supreme Court (9U1)
Deadlines
- CARES Act funds must be spent by December 30th
Watch For
- Recommendations for a small business program with a minority and women-owned business focus in a couple of weeks
- Further updates on sales tax collections and economic outlook
Announcements
- Tracy Lane commended for 31 years of service to the city.
- Rick Smith recognized for 38 years of service in the litigation division of the municipal counselor's office.
- First protected bike lanes installed on General Pershing, west of downtown.
- Groundbreaking ceremony for a new development at 36th and Lincoln.
- Ribbon cutting for the 'With Love Project' restored market on NE 23rd Street.
Agenda Summary
Journal of Council Proceedings (5A, 5B)
Approval of the journal of council proceedings.
Requests for Uncontested Continuances (9B, 7AB2, 9A7, 9A18, 9G1B, 9H1G, 9H1J, 9I1F, 9I1I, 9I1L)
Requests for deferral or striking of various agenda items.
Revocable Permit with Friends of Multi-Sport (6A)
Permit for '24 the Hard Way' event in Bluff Creek Park.
Limited Revocable Rowing and Paddle Practice Use Permit with Riversport Foundation (6B)
Permit for rowing and paddle practice use.
OCMFA Items (A-G)
Various items for the Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority.
OCPA Items (A-C)
Various items for the Oklahoma City Public Property Authority.
OCEA Trust Claims and Payroll
Claims and payroll for the Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust.
Consent Docket (7)
Approval of the consent docket, with presentations on specific items.
Concurrence Docket (8)
Approval of the concurrence docket.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 1414 SW 89th Street (9A1)
Rezoning from O2 to C1.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 11319 N County Line Road (9A2)
Rezoning from AA to R1.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 1868 Lowry Avenue (9A3)
Rezoning from I2 to I3.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 9001 SW 44th (9A4)
Rezoning from R1 to C3.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 25 SW 50th Street (9A5)
Rezoning from R1 to R2.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 500 S Cemetery Road (9A6)
Rezoning from R3 to PUD1755.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 4320 N Military Avenue (9A8)
Rezoning from R1 to SPUD1224.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 1300 N Blackwelder Avenue (9A9)
Rezoning from R2 to SPUD1228.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 2359 NW 10th Street (9A10)
Rezoning from C3 to SPUD1230.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 3924 N Youngs Boulevard (9A11)
Rezoning from R1 to SPUD1231.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 3931 NW 8th Street (9A12)
Rezoning from R1 to SPUD1232.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 3121 N Pennsylvania (9A13)
Rezoning from R1 to SPUD1233.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 824 N Phillips Avenue (9A14)
Rezoning from PUD1367 to SPUD1235.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 3500 SW 119th Street (9A15)
Rezoning from AA to SPUD1236.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 12 NE 102nd Street (9A16)
Rezoning from SPUD1060 to SPUD1237.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 10549 NW 10th (9A17)
Rezoning from SPUD769 to SPUD1238.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 4641 NW 63rd Street (9A19)
Rezoning from R1 to SPUD1240.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: Closure of a Portion of SE 89th Street (9C)
Closure of SE 89th Street between Southeastern and South Pole Road.
Public Hearing: Downtown Business Improvement District Assessment Role (9D1)
Public hearing regarding the assessment role for the Downtown Business Improvement District.
Resolution: Adopting and Confirming Assessment Role for Downtown Business Improvement District (9D2)
Adoption and confirmation of the assessment role.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: Adopting and Setting Assessment Role for Downtown Business Improvement District (9E)
Adoption and setting of the assessment role for 2020-2021.
Resolution: Approving Sole Source Professional Services Agreement with Downtown OKC Partnership (9F)
Agreement for Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership to operate the BID.
Public Hearing: Dilapidated Structures (9G1)
Public hearing regarding listed dilapidated structures.
Resolution: Declaring Structures Dilapidated (9G2)
Declaration of structures as dilapidated.
Public Hearing: Unsecured Structures (9H1)
Public hearing regarding listed unsecured structures.
Resolution: Declaring Structures Unsecured (9H2)
Declaration of structures as unsecured.
Public Hearing: Abandoned Structures (9I1)
Public hearing regarding listed abandoned structures.
Resolution: Declaring Structures Abandoned (9I2)
Declaration of structures as abandoned.
Public Hearing: FY2021 Budget Amendment (9J1)
Public hearing regarding the Fiscal Year 2021 budget amendment.
Resolution: Adopting Amendment to FY2021 Budget (9J2)
Adoption of an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2021 budget for various funds.
Resolution: Amending Coronavirus Relief Funds Plan (9K)
Amendment to the Coronavirus Relief Funds Plan and sub-category allocations.
Amendment to Operating Agreement with Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (9L)
Amendment to the operating agreement for COVID-19 related research.
Amendment to Operating Agreement with First Fidelity Bank (9M)
Amendment for the Small Business Continuity Program.
Amendment to Operating Agreement with The Alliance (9N)
Amendment for the Small Business Technical Assistance Program.
Amendment to Operating Agreement with Communities Foundation of Oklahoma (9O)
Amendment for the Resident Support Program.
Amendment to Operating Agreement with Oklahoma City-County Health Department (9P)
Amendment for the Testing and Tracing Program.
Agreement with United Way (9Q)
Agreement for a non-profit assistance program.
Resolution: Authorizing Indebtedness by Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust (9R)
Authorization for the incurrence of indebtedness.
Resolution: Approving Salary Continuation for Corporal Tommy Allen (9S1)
Approval of salary continuation.
Resolution: Approving Salary Continuation for Lieutenant Kevin Warner (9T1)
Approval of salary continuation.
Resolution: Authorizing Appeal to Supreme Court (9U1)
Authorization to file an appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States regarding the median safety ordinance.
Executive Session: Eric C. Ewald and the City of Oklahoma City (9V)
Discussion of legal case.
Executive Session: Potential Participation (9W)
Discussion of potential participation.
Claims Recommended for Denial (10)
Review and approval of claims recommended for denial.
Claims Recommended for Approval (10A)
Review and approval of claims recommended for approval.