Meeting Summary
The City Council meeting included several recognitions, notably honoring Kara Barman as Teacher of the Month and proclaiming February as OKC Black Restaurant Weeks. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the annual update on the Better Streets Safer City program, highlighting progress in street resurfacing, enhancements, sidewalks, trails, and bike lanes. The council also addressed various public hearings concerning dilapidated and abandoned structures, and approved several resolutions including a bond sale and an allocation for the Bar K dog park project.
Key Decisions & Votes
Teacher of the Month Recognition
06:20A resolution was passed to recognize and commend Kara Barman as February 2020 Teacher of the Month by Edmond Public Schools and the Rotary Club of Oklahoma City.
OKC Black Restaurant Weeks Proclamation
10:50Mayor David Holt proclaimed the month of February to be OKC Black Restaurant Weeks to highlight African American culinary and dining experiences in the city.
Paul Moore Day Proclamation
17:30Mayor David Holt proclaimed February 18th as Paul Moore Day in Oklahoma City, recognizing his significant contributions to public art, particularly the Centennial Land Run Monument.
Revocable Permit for McNellie's St. Patrick's Day Block Party
29:00A revocable right-of-way use permit was approved for McNellie's Plaza Court to hold their 12th annual St. Patrick's Day block party on March 17th, closing a portion of Walker Avenue.
Revocable Permit for Redbud Classic
31:00A revocable right-of-way use permit was approved for the Redbud Foundation to hold the Redbud Classic, a running and cycling event, on April 4th and 5th.
Amendment to Master Design Statement (1625 NW 16th St)
50:00An amendment to the master design statement for a mixed-use building at 1625 Northwest 16th Street was approved, following discussions with neighbors.
Ordinance for SPUD 1160 (1625 NW 16th St)
50:40An ordinance on final hearing to rezone 1625 Northwest 16th Street from R1 to SPUD 1160 was approved.
Alley Closure (SW 10th & SW 11th, S Agnew & S Youngs)
51:50An ordinance on final hearing for the closure of 20-foot platted alleys between Southwest 10th and Southwest 11th, and between South Agnew and South Youngs, was approved.
Marijuana Vaping Updates Ordinance
52:40An ordinance regarding updates to marijuana vaping regulations was approved with an emergency motion, passing 8 to 1.
Resolution Declaring Dilapidated Structures
59:00A resolution was adopted declaring several structures as dilapidated following a public hearing.
Resolution Declaring Unsecured Structures
01:03:00A resolution was adopted declaring several structures as unsecured following a public hearing.
Resolution Declaring Abandoned Buildings
01:07:00A resolution was adopted declaring several buildings as abandoned following a public hearing.
Allocation of GO Limited Tax Proceeds (Bakery Bling)
01:08:30A joint resolution with the Oklahoma City Economic Development Trust was approved, allocating $400,000 in general obligation limited tax proceeds to Little Waisted LLC, doing business as Bakery Bling.
Allocation from Increment District No. 2 (Bar K Dog Park)
01:14:00A resolution was approved allocating $750,000 from Increment District Number 2 to the Bar K dog park economic development project, despite concerns about parking needs.
Community and Neighborhood Enhancement Program Project Implementation Plan Update
01:19:00A resolution adopting the February 2020 update to the Community and Neighborhood Enhancement Program Project Implementation Plan and approving an allocation of approximately $3.6 million in Better Streets Safer City sales tax funds for budget revisions was approved.
Confess Judgment (Puente V City of OKC)
01:19:40A resolution authorizing the municipal counselor to confess judgment without admission of liability in the case styled Puente V City of OKC was approved.
Travel and Reimbursement for Councilwoman Hammond
01:34:00A resolution approving travel and reimbursement of travel-related expenses for Councilwoman Jo Beth Hammond to attend the National Bike Summit in Arlington, Virginia, was approved.
Upcoming Community Events
McNellie's St. Patrick's Day Block Party
To be held at 10th and Walker, closing a portion of Walker Avenue.
Redbud Classic
Running and cycling event starting at Waterford Plaza on Northwest 63rd and Pennsylvania.
OKC Black Restaurant Weeks
Citywide celebration of black culinarians in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, with participating restaurants offering special menus.
Black History Month Breakfast
To be held at the Ice Events Center and Grill from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM.
Free Spay and Neutering
Friends of Pets offering services at Unity Baptist Church, 1701 North Nebraska Avenue, for residents in the 73111 zip code.
Readings at WH Slaughter Mansion
Afternoon readings at the WH Slaughter Mansion, located off 50th and 35.
Litter Cleanup Day
Focused along Lynwood, organized by Homeless Alliance and Metro Park Neighborhood Association.
Financial Matters
Better Streets Safer City Sales Tax Revenue
The program is slightly above its target revenue, about 6% over, with collections expected to exceed the $240 million estimate.
GO Bond Sale (Tax Exempt)
Authorization to sell taxable tax-exempt bonds approved by citizens in 2017, with pricing anticipated on March 31st and closing in mid-May.
GO Bond Sale (Taxable)
Authorization to sell taxable bonds approved by citizens in 2017, with pricing anticipated on March 31st and closing around May 14th.
GO Bond Refunding (2010 Bonds)
Resolution authorizing staff to begin the process of refunding 2010 bonds, anticipating over $4 million in savings (approximately 13%).
Allocation of GO Limited Tax Proceeds
Allocation to Little Waisted LLC, doing business as Bakery Bling.
Allocation from Increment District No. 2
Allocation to the Bar K dog park economic development project, intended to cover commercial development costs, including parking and site improvements.
Better Streets Safer City Sales Tax Funds Allocation
Approval of an allocation for budget revisions to existing Better Streets Safer City projects, including resurfacing, sidewalks, and bicycle infrastructure.
Public Comments
Public comments primarily focused on the ongoing issue of a grocery store in northeast Oklahoma City, with speakers expressing frustration over delays, permit issues, and the need for healthy food options in the community. There was a strong sentiment for supporting any business willing to provide a full-scale grocery store, and criticism of perceived obstacles to its opening.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- March 31st: Sales tax completion for Better Streets Safer City program
- March 31st: Anticipated pricing for GO bond sales
- April 1st: Maps 4 collections begin
Watch For
- Final Street recommendations for arterial and residential projects from the Better Streets Safer City Advisory Board (expected this spring)
- Future council consideration of additional Better Streets Safer City projects (next month)
- Final information on GO bond refunding (March 31st)
Announcements
- Shout-out to Carla Burton and the Star Spencer students for attending the meeting.
- Councilman Stonecipher and Councilman Green's one-year anniversary of re-election.
- Mayor Holt's mayoral victory anniversary.
- Councilman Cooper's reflections on Black History Month, education, and resilience, highlighting historical figures and their impact.
- Councilwoman Hammond's report on her trip to San Antonio to learn about mental health diversion programs and the Behar County Jail, and her research on the black history of Ward 6, including Tolan Park.
- Megan Mueller from the Homeless Alliance presented on coordinated outreach efforts, including an outreach map, point-in-time counts, cold-weather contingency, and new outreach resources.
- Councilwoman Nice announced free spay and neutering services for pets in the 73111 zip code, ongoing readings at the WH Slaughter Mansion, and Douglas High School's criminal justice class participation in Youth and Government.
- Councilwoman Nice commemorated the passing of Dr. J.H. Tucker, pastor of Greddy New Zion Baptist Church for over 47 years.
- Reminder to get OKC Black Eats bingo cards and attend the Black History Month breakfast.
- Councilwoman Nice acknowledged Councilman Cooper's historical election as the first African American outside of Ward 7 to his seat.
- Discussion of the history of voting rights and Jim Crow laws in Oklahoma by Councilwoman Nice.
- Commemoration of Paul Moore Day and his monuments in Ward 7.
Agenda Summary
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Invocation led by Pastor Brian Gilbert of Brookwood Baptist Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Annie and Maisie Brock Smith of Girl Scouts troop 418.
Recognition of Kara Barman as Teacher of the Month
Resolution recognizing Kara Barman as February 2020 Teacher of the Month by Edmond Public Schools and the Rotary Club of Oklahoma City.
Proclamation of OKC Black Restaurant Weeks
Proclamation by Mayor David Holt declaring February as OKC Black Restaurant Weeks.
Proclamation of Paul Moore Day
Proclamation by Mayor David Holt declaring February 18th as Paul Moore Day in Oklahoma City.
Journal of Council Proceedings
Approval of items A and B from the Journal of Council Proceedings.
Uncontested Continuances
Striking of several items related to dilapidated, unsecured, and abandoned structures from the agenda due to owners securing or removing them.
Revocable Permit: McNellie's St. Patrick's Day Block Party
Revocable right-of-way use permit with McNellie's Plaza Court to hold their 12th annual St. Patrick's Day block party on March 17th.
Revocable Permit: Redbud Classic
Revocable right-of-way use permit with the Redbud Foundation to hold the Redbud Classic on April 4th and 5th.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA) Items
Approval of items A through H for OCMFA.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPPA) Claims and Payroll
Adoption of claims and payroll for OCPPA.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust Claims and Payroll
Adoption of claims and payroll for the Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust.
Consent Docket
Approval of items on the consent docket, with specific items pulled for discussion.
Presentation: Better Streets Safer City Program Annual Update
Annual update on the Better Streets Safer City projects from the sales tax, presented by Eric Winger (Public Works Director) and Jeff Butler (Planning Director).
Presentation: GO Bond Sale and Refunding
Presentation by Brian (Finance Director) on the upcoming GO bond sale (tax-exempt and taxable) and the GO bond refunding process.
Concurrence Docket
Approval of items A through E on the concurrence docket.
9a1: Amendment to Master Design Statement (1625 NW 16th St)
Amendment to the master design statement for a mixed-use building at 1625 Northwest 16th Street.
9a2: Ordinance on Final Hearing (1625 NW 16th St)
Ordinance on final hearing for rezoning 1625 Northwest 16th Street from R1 to SPUD 1160.
9b: Ordinance on Final Hearing (Alley Closure)
Ordinance on final hearing for closure of 20-foot platted alleys between Southwest 10th and Southwest 11th, and between South Agnew and South Youngs.
9c1: Ordinance (Marijuana Vaping Updates)
Ordinance regarding updates to marijuana vaping regulations, including an emergency motion.
9c2: Original Ordinance (Marijuana Vaping Updates)
Original version of the marijuana vaping updates ordinance, not considered due to approval of 9c1.
9d1: Public Hearing (Mechanical Code)
Public hearing regarding ordinance related to the mechanical code.
9d2: Public Hearing (Resolution for Mechanical Code Adoption)
Public hearing regarding a resolution declaring the need for the adoption of the mechanical code.
9e1: Public Hearing (Plumbing Code)
Public hearing regarding ordinance related to the plumbing code updates.
9e2: Public Hearing (Resolution for Plumbing Code Adoption)
Public hearing regarding a resolution declaring the need for the adoption of the plumbing code.
9f: Public Hearing (Fuel Gas Code)
Public hearing regarding the fuel gas code.
9g1: Public Hearing (Dilapidated Structures)
Public hearing regarding listed dilapidated structures.
9g2: Resolution Declaring Dilapidated Structures
Resolution declaring listed structures as dilapidated.
9h1: Public Hearing (Unsecured Structures)
Public hearing regarding listed unsecured structures.
9h2: Resolution Declaring Unsecured Structures
Resolution declaring listed structures as unsecured.
9i1: Public Hearing (Abandoned Buildings)
Public hearing regarding listed abandoned buildings.
9i2: Resolution Declaring Abandoned Buildings
Resolution declaring listed buildings as abandoned.
9j1: Public Hearing (Allocation of GO Limited Tax Proceeds)
Public hearing regarding the allocation of general obligation limited tax proceeds to Little Waisted LLC (Bakery Bling).
9j2: Joint Resolution (Allocation of GO Limited Tax Proceeds)
Joint resolution with the Oklahoma City Economic Development Trust approving the allocation of $400,000 to Little Waisted LLC (Bakery Bling).
9k1: Public Hearing (Allocation from Increment District No. 2)
Public hearing regarding an allocation from Increment District Number 2 for commercial development costs for the Bar K dog park project.
9k2: Resolution (Allocation from Increment District No. 2)
Resolution approving an allocation of $750,000 from Increment District Number 2 to the Bar K dog park economic development project.
9l: Resolution (Community and Neighborhood Enhancement Program Update)
Resolution adopting the February 2020 update to the Community and Neighborhood Enhancement Program Project Implementation Plan and approving allocation of Better Streets Safer City sales tax funds for budget revisions.
9m: Resolution (Puente V City of OKC)
Resolution authorizing the municipal counselor to confess judgment without admission of liability in the case styled Puente V City of OKC.
9n: Executive Session (Brewer V City of OKC)
Enter into executive session on advice of the municipal counselor to receive confidential communications regarding Brewer V City of OKC.
9o: Executive Session (Opioid Legislation)
Enter into executive session on advice of the municipal counselor to receive confidential communications regarding pending opioid legislation.
9p: Executive Session (Environmental Remediation)
Enter into executive session on advice of the municipal counselor to receive confidential communications regarding potential litigation concerning environmental remediation obligations.
9q: Executive Session (Collective Bargaining)
Enter into executive session to discuss collective bargaining negotiations for the upcoming fiscal year 2020-2021 with FOP firefighters and AFSCME.
10a: Resolution (Councilwoman Hammond Travel)
Resolution approving travel and reimbursement of travel-related expenses for Councilwoman Jo Beth Hammond to attend the National Bike Summit.
10b: Executive Session (Municipal Judge Vacancy)
Enter into executive session to discuss the hiring appointment for the current municipal judge vacancy.
City Manager Reports
Presentation of budget transfers reports and the February sales and use tax collections report.
Citizens to be Heard
Opportunity for citizens to address the council on matters not on the agenda.