Meeting Summary
The City Council meeting included several recognitions for outstanding city employees and a proclamation for Allied Arts Month. Key discussions involved the funding and utility of a pedestrian bridge, compliance with state gun laws, and proposed restrictions on marijuana smoking/vaping. Updates were provided on the Omni Hotel construction, the city's transportation system, pavement management, and the Boathouse Foundation's operations and finances. Sales tax revenue showed a significant decline, prompting budget cut preparations.
Key Decisions & Votes
Sister City Agreement with Peru
01:00:00A new sister city agreement with Peru was adopted, bringing Oklahoma City's total to eight sister cities.
Ordinance changes for Public Works Director authority (Motor Vehicles & Traffic) - B1
01:06:00An ordinance on final hearing relating to motor vehicles and traffic, granting additional authorities to the Public Works Director, was approved.
Ordinance changes for Public Works Director authority (Motor Vehicles & Traffic) - B2
01:06:30An ordinance on final hearing relating to motor vehicles and traffic, granting additional authorities to the Public Works Director, was approved.
Resolution declaring dilapidated structures (9e2)
01:21:00A resolution was adopted declaring several structures dilapidated, with one item deferred for two weeks.
Resolution declaring unsecured structures (9f2)
01:25:00A resolution was adopted declaring several structures unsecured, with one property owner stating their property had been secured.
Resolution declaring abandoned buildings (9g2)
01:26:30A resolution was adopted declaring several buildings abandoned.
Economic Development Agreement with Oklahoma Contemporary Art Center Inc. (9h2)
01:28:00A resolution was approved authorizing the negotiation of an economic development agreement with Oklahoma Contemporary Art Center Inc. for an amount not to exceed $60,000.
OKC Zoological Park and Botanical Garden admission and membership pricing fee increase (9i)
01:40:00A resolution was approved to increase admission and membership pricing for the OKC Zoological Park and Botanical Garden, including a $1 increase for general admission.
Salary continuation for Major Scott Grubs (9j1)
01:40:45A resolution was approved for salary continuation for Major Scott Grubs for rehabilitation.
Salary continuation for Corporal Kenneth Holman (9k1)
01:41:15A resolution was approved for salary continuation for Corporal Kenneth Holman for rehabilitation.
Salary continuation for Major Jimmy Cruda (9l1)
01:41:45A resolution was approved for salary continuation for Major Jimmy Cruda for rehabilitation.
Salary continuation for Sergeant Jennifer Gill (9m1)
01:42:15A resolution was approved for salary continuation for Sergeant Jennifer Gill.
Salary continuation for Sergeant Zachary Miller (9n1)
01:42:45A resolution was approved for salary continuation for Sergeant Zachary Miller.
Claims Recommended for Denial (9r1)
01:44:30Several claims recommended for denial were denied by the council.
Claims Recommended for Approval (10a1)
01:45:00Several claims recommended for approval were approved by the council.
Ordinance on advertising on vehicles for hire (11a)
01:47:30An ordinance on final hearing was approved, allowing third-party advertising on vehicles for hire, including rooftop signs, after police inspection.
Travel and reimbursement for Councilwoman Jo Beth Hammond (11b)
01:48:30A resolution was approved for Councilwoman Jo Beth Hammond's travel and reimbursement expenses to attend a tour of San Antonio's restoration center.
Upcoming Community Events
Oklahoma Youth Literacy Program Read and Eat
3663 North Lodi; volunteers and students needed; website: ok-y-elk-y-okc.org
Descendants of Freedmen Association meeting
Faith Memorial Baptist Church
OU Health Science Center African American Student Association MLK celebration
940 North East 13th Street, featuring Bernice King
Financial Matters
Allied Arts Annual Campaign
The annual campaign goal for Allied Arts is $3.45 million, with hopes to reach $3.5 million.
Economic Development Agreement with Oklahoma Contemporary Art Center Inc.
Authorization to negotiate an economic development agreement not to exceed $60,000.
OKC Zoological Park and Botanical Garden admission and membership pricing fee increase
Approval of a $1 increase for general admission tickets and changes to membership categories to address increased operating costs and compensation adjustments.
Omni Hotel Construction Project
The $200 million construction project for the Omni Hotel has seen the Trust complete its entire contribution as of November, with Omni bearing the balance of costs.
Boathouse Foundation Economic Impact
The Boathouse District's events and programs generated an estimated $23 million in economic impact in 2019.
Boathouse Foundation Youth Participation Value
The total value of free access and programs provided to 3,200 Oklahoma City youth through the Boathouse Foundation's outreach programs was approximately $391,000.
Boathouse Foundation College Scholarships
Over $1.5 million in college scholarships were awarded to youth involved with the river in 2019, contributing to a total of $10 million.
Boathouse Foundation Management Fee
The Boathouse Foundation has received $1.152 million of the $1.5 million approved management fee for the fiscal year to date.
Boathouse Foundation Accounts Payable
Current open accounts payable for the Boathouse Foundation are approximately $120,000, a significant improvement from $305,000 last year.
Boathouse Foundation 2020 Campaign
The Boathouse Foundation is launching a new campaign with a goal of approximately $3.5 million over the next couple of years.
City Sales Tax Report
January sales tax (reflecting November/December sales) was down 5.5%, or 1.9% when excluding a major refund. Use tax was down 18%, impacting budget projections for the next fiscal year.
Public Comments
Citizens expressed concerns regarding the allocation of bond funds for a pedestrian bridge over sidewalks, the enforcement of scooter regulations, and the city's stance on gun rights and marijuana use. One speaker specifically warned against restricting cannabis use, while another highlighted safety issues with scooters and underage riders. Concerns were also raised about the equitable application of gun laws.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Item b3 B
- Item 9a
- Item 786 (confession-of-judgment)
- Item 9e 1a 806 Southeast 11th Street (dilapidated structure)
- All items under 9f1 (unsecured structures)
- Item f2 501 North West 14th Street (unsecured structure, owner secured)
- Item o 1305 North East 54th Street (unsecured structure, owner secured)
- Item s 245 north west 120th Street (unsecured structure, owner secured)
- Item L 1305 North East 54th Street (abandoned building, owner secured)
- Item M 245 north west 120th Street (abandoned building, owner secured)
- Item 9r1b
- Item 10a 1b (claim for approval)
- Item 9e 1f (1238 SW 7th Street) deferred for two weeks
Deadlines
- February 11th budget workshop
Watch For
- Future discussion on operation costs for outreach teams to connect homeless to MAPS 4 housing
- Future updates on pavement management program (quarterly)
- Future discussions on expanding night bus service and later hours for Route 023 (NW 23rd Street)
- Future discussions on tobacco vaping regulation on city property
- More conversations about recycling and conservation in Ward 7
- More detailed reporting on MAPS 4 projects as they come into focus
Announcements
- February was proclaimed as Allied Arts Month in Oklahoma City, kicking off the annual campaign. Allied Arts supported 42 nonprofits, launched 'Art Around OKC' online calendar, and funded youth orchestral music experiences.
- Edward Hudson, Director of Bands for Putnam City West High School, was recognized as January 2020 Teacher of the Month.
- Jonathan Gary, Animal Welfare Superintendent, was recognized as 2019 South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club Employee of the Year.
- Sergeant David Rambo, Information Lead Policing Officer, was recognized as 2019 South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club Police Officer of the Year.
- Happy Lunar New Year (Year of the Rat) was extended to the Asian District, with banners along Classen Boulevard.
- The annual Point in Time Count (homeless census) will be conducted this Thursday (last week of January), starting at 3:30 AM.
- Embark participated in the MLK Day parade.
- The South Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce honored Sgt. Echols as Citizen of the Year at their banquet.
- The memory of Carl Carbon, a realtor for over 50 years and former Ward 7 Planning Commissioner, who passed away at 91, was honored.
- The Oklahoma Youth Literacy Program offers a Read and Eat program (free books, homework help) Monday through Friday at 3:30 PM at 3663 North Lodi, running through the end of the school year, and is seeking volunteers and students.
- First graders from Millwood presented a project on recycling, advocating for a school recycling program, with thanks to Waste Management for support.
- The Descendants of Freedmen Association will hold a meeting on January 25th at 1:00 PM at Faith Memorial Baptist Church.
- Reverend Reid received the Clara Luper community service award at the MLK prayer breakfast. Councilwoman Nice represented OKC at a Lawton MLK celebration. St. John's hosted the 51st anniversary MLK celebration, the nation's oldest.
- OU Health Science Center African American Student Association will host an MLK celebration on January 29th at noon, featuring Bernice King, at 940 NE 13th Street.
- OG&E is partnering with the Urban League for a Week of Service to weatherize Mount Olive senior cottages and offers the Silver Energy Program for customers aged 60 and above with an annual income of $60,000 or below.
Agenda Summary
Item 3e, 3f, 3g
Appointments to the Park Commission and Traffic Commission.
Item 4a and B
Unspecified administrative items.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA) Items a through D
Items for the Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPPA) Items a through C
Items for the Oklahoma City Public Property Authority.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (OCETA) Items a and B
Items for the Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust.
Item 7H
Unspecified consent docket item.
Item 7O - Pedestrian bridge over Northwest Expressway
Discussion on the estimated $3 million construction cost of a pedestrian bridge over Northwest Expressway, a 2007 and 2017 bond project.
Item 7R2 - Partnership with Luther and County
Discussion on a new partnership with the Mayor of Luther and the County Commissioner to improve an area connecting to Luther.
Item 7X - Artwork of Paul Moore
Discussion on the artwork of Paul Moore, including the Centennial Enron monument and his work at the National Cowboy Western Heritage Museum.
Item 7Y - Sister City Agreement
Approval of a new sister city agreement with Peru, bringing Oklahoma City's total to eight sister cities.
Remaining Consent Docket Items
Various administrative and routine items on the consent docket not pulled for separate discussion.
Item 9a
Ordinance on final hearing.
Item 9o - Executive Session (Carol V City of Oklahoma City)
To receive confidential communications from attorneys to discuss a legal case.
Item 9p - Executive Session (Went AV City of Oklahoma City)
To receive confidential communications from attorneys regarding a legal case.
Item 9q - Executive Session (Federal products liability litigation)
To receive confidential communications from attorneys regarding potential participation in federal products liability litigation.