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City Council Meeting

December 17, 2019 City Council Meeting

December 17, 2019 Oklahoma City, OK
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Meeting Summary

TL;DR

The City Council approved several zoning changes and recognized the Teacher and Employee of the Month. Key decisions included adopting an ordinance to allow emergency changes to traffic ordinances, setting a use tax rate for public safety vehicles, and approving a resolution to amend personnel policies to include discrimination protection based on gender identity and expression. The council also authorized a special election for a 1/8 cent sales tax dedicated to parks.

Key Decisions & Votes

Teacher of the Month Recognition

00:04

Resolution recognizing Shadonna Watkins as December 2019 Teacher of the Month.

Adopted

Employee of the Month Recognition

00:09

Resolution recognizing Sergeant Raymond Swearengen as December 2019 South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club Employee of the Month.

Adopted

Mayor's Travel Approval

00:12

Resolution approving travel and reimbursement for the Mayor to attend the US Conference of Mayors Civic I/O Mayor Summit.

Approved

Rob Littlefield Appointment

00:13

Appointment of Rob Littlefield to the Traffic and Transportation Commission.

Approved

MAPS 4 Tax Election Results

00:30

Accepting the election results for the one percent tax that will fund the MAPS 4 program.

Accepted

Surf Machine Contract Award

00:40

Awarding the contract for the surf machine at the Boathouse area, despite being over the initial estimate, with plans to scale back other program items.

Approved

Disorderly Conduct Ordinance Amendment

01:21

Amending the disorderly conduct ordinance to include "right-of-way" in the list of areas not to be obstructed.

Adopted

Adventure District BID Assessment Roll

01:27

Resolution adopting and confirming the assessment roll for the Adventure District Business Improvement District for year 2020.

Approved

Northeast Renaissance Redevelopment Project Plan

01:36

Ordinance approving and adopting the amended and restated Northeast Renaissance Redevelopment Project Plan with emergency.

Adopted

Increment District B Allocation ($4.4M)

01:46

Resolution approving allocation of $4.4 million from Increment District B for public improvements, including a full-service grocery store in northeast Oklahoma City.

Approved

Emergency Changes to Traffic Ordinances

02:00

Ordinances to allow the Director of Public Works and City Engineer to make emergency and time-limited changes to traffic ordinances.

Introduced

Youth Tax (Use Tax) Ordinance

02:05

Ordinance creating the use tax, setting the rate equal to the sales tax, effective April 1st, primarily for public safety vehicles.

Adopted

Dilapidated Structures Declaration

02:19

Resolution declaring several structures dilapidated, including 1435 NW 39th Street.

Approved

Unsecured Structures Declaration

02:22

Resolution declaring several structures unsecured.

Approved

Abandoned Buildings Declaration

02:23

Resolution declaring several buildings abandoned.

Approved

International Residential Code Adoption

02:25

Resolution repealing and replacing a prior resolution to adopt the 2015 International Residential Code, conforming with state amendments.

Approved

AFSCME Collective Bargaining Agreement

02:26

Collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME.

Approved

Police Use of Force Policy Revisions

02:37

Resolution approving revisions to Police Policy 550 for use of force, incorporating recent case law and de-escalation evaluation.

Approved

Street Entertainers Ordinance Amendments

02:50

Ordinances deleting special permit requirements for Bricktown Canal street entertainers and making licenses not required citywide, with emergency.

Adopted

Personnel Policy Amendment (Gender Identity/Expression)

03:07

Resolution amending personnel policies to include specific reference to discrimination based on gender identity and/or gender expression.

Approved

Special Election for Parks Sales Tax

03:13

Resolution authorizing the Mayor to issue a proclamation calling a special election on March 3, 2020, for a 1/8 cent sales tax dedicated to parks.

Approved

Upcoming Community Events

Tonight

Vigil for 2-year-old Riya Thomas

New Dimensions Church on Britton

Last Sunday

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Beta Sigma Omega chapter recognition

Recognized 77 young men for academic efforts and positive community impact.

Last Friday

Tree lighting at the East End

First dedicated tree lighting service in northeast Oklahoma City in over 40 years.

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Oklahoma Civic Day

Held at OCCC with Generation Citizen.

Last Saturday

Life Changes in Wellness amateur boxing tournament

For young people in the community.

December 22nd and 23rd

Life Changes in Wellness toy giveaway

Community toy distribution.

Last Wednesday

Northeast Food Security Symposium

Discussion on food insecurity, hosted with Urban Land Institute.

Last Friday

Homelessness Task Force meeting

Discussion on affordable housing and social services.

Financial Matters

Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA) Year-End Report

Net position increased by $36.7 million.

Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPPA) Year-End Report

Net position decreased by $2.7 million, primarily due to capital assets and depreciation. Golf courses improved by $700,000.

Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (OCEAT) Year-End Report

Net position increased by $9.2 million to $61.8 million.

City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR)

Net position of $2.3 billion, an increase from $2.1 billion. Total assets increased by $200 million.

Fiduciary Funds Year-End Report

Net position of $834 million, an increase of $23 million. Employee Retirement System (OKCERS) is 103.92% funded.

General Fund Balance

Ended the year at $102.6 million (cash basis), representing 21.3% of the city's general fund budget.

Single Audit Report

No material findings for the fourth consecutive year, recognized as a low-risk auditee.

1% Sales Tax for MAPS 4

Election results for the one percent tax funding the MAPS 4 program were accepted.

Donation from Inasmuch Foundation

Donation for the restoration and renovation of Centennial clocks.

Donation agreement with Fields & Futures Foundation

Donation for park area improvements at Southern Oaks Park.

$673,000

Surf Machine at Boathouse

Contract awarded for the surf machine, with a low bid of $1.965 million, exceeding the estimated cost of $1.45 million.

$1,965,000

Economic Development Agreement with Wheeler Community Foundation and Lilly

Agreement for infrastructure reimbursement and access to $20 million for an elementary school within TIF District #12. Increment for 2019 was $13,000.

Allocation from Increment District B

Approval of $4.4 million allocation from Increment District B for public improvements, including a full-service grocery store.

$4,400,000

Use Tax Ordinance

Ordinance creating a use tax, set at the same rate as sales tax, to fund replacement of public safety police and fire vehicles and other technical equipment.

Development Impact Fees Annual Report

Approximately $15.1 million available in funds, with $8.3 million added in the last fiscal year. Designated for streets ($11.3M), trails ($1.5M), and parks ($2.3M).

Sales and Use Tax Report

Sales tax growth for the year is about 3.9%; use tax growth is about 9% but slowing, tied to oil and gas.

Public Comments

7 citizens spoke

Seven citizens spoke, addressing concerns about a dilapidated property, expressing opposition to certain TIF districts and economic development plans, and offering strong opinions both for and against the personnel policy amendment regarding gender identity and expression. Other comments included feedback on community engagement and police department efforts.

Dilapidated properties TIF districts Economic development Racial discrimination Police brutality Gender identity/expression Bathroom access Community engagement Police department efforts

Coming Up

Tabled

  • Item 9a2 (2105 SW 55th St, C3 to R4) referred to Planning Commission.
  • Item 11d (Ordinance related to written notice of public hearings for rezoning applications) referred to Planning Commission.

Deadlines

  • Penalty reduction program for Municipal Court tickets (issued prior to July 1, 2017, in warrant status) continues until March 31, 2020.
  • Special election for 1/8 cent sales tax for parks on Tuesday, March 3, 2020.
  • Use tax effective April 1st.

Watch For

  • Budget presentation for OCPPA revenue and expenses of culture and recreational services.
  • Subcommittee review of second-floor build-out and new zip line plans for Boathouse Foundation in January.
  • Bids for second-floor and zip line late January/early February.
  • Resolution of intent for use tax allocation (after meeting with council members).
  • Construction to begin on 12 street impact fee projects in 2020.
  • Additional items on future City Council meetings regarding impact fee projects.
  • Continual updates to impact fee reports (annually for high-growth areas).
  • Initiation of search for and establishment of a local Food Policy Council.
  • Homelessness Task Force to have 12 more meetings over the coming year.
  • Public hearing on January 7, 2020, and final hearing on January 21, 2020, for ordinances related to emergency changes to traffic ordinances (9k1 & 9k2).
  • Public hearing on January 7, 2020, and final hearing on January 21, 2020, for ordinance related to vehicles for hire advertising (11c).

Announcements

  • Shadonna Watkins recognized as December 2019 Teacher of the Month.
  • Sergeant Raymond Swearengen recognized as December 2019 South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club Employee of the Month.
  • Thanks to staff for work on MAPS 4.
  • Thanks to Inasmuch Foundation for donation for Centennial clocks.
  • Thanks to Fields & Futures Foundation for donation to Southern Oaks Park.
  • Commendation for Oklahoma City Thunder's comeback win.
  • Condolences and call for leads regarding the murder of 2-year-old Riya Thomas.
  • Commendation for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Beta Sigma Omega chapter, for recognizing 77 young men.
  • Commendation for the first tree lighting at the East End.
  • Mention of new gym facility, Lifetime Fitness, in East Point area.
  • Commendation for Generation Citizen at OCCC.
  • Commendation for Life Changes in Wellness for amateur boxing tournament and toy giveaway.
  • Thanks to Wall Street Journal for article on food insecurity in OKC.
  • Thanks to Urban Land Institute and speakers for Northeast Food Security Symposium.
  • Thanks to partners for Homelessness Task Force meeting.
  • Information about cold shelters for people experiencing homelessness (call 2-1-1).
  • Ribbon cutting at Fire Station 29 (8400 SE 164th).
  • Thanks to Freedom Oklahoma for their efforts.
  • Commendation for Municipal Court staff on penalty reduction program.
  • Merry Christmas and Happy New Year wishes.

Agenda Summary

Resolution recognizing Shadonna Watkins as December 2019 Teacher of the Month

Recognition for her dedication to education in Putnam City Schools.

Adopted

Resolution recognizing Sergeant Raymond Swearengen as December 2019 South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club Employee of the Month

Recognition for his 16 years of service as the police department's derelict vehicle enforcement officer.

Adopted

Item 3c: Resolution approving travel and reimbursement for Mayor to attend US Conference of Mayors Civic I/O Mayor Summit

Approval for the Mayor's attendance at a summit in Austin in March.

Approved

Item 3d: Appointment of Rob Littlefield to serve as a member of the Traffic and Transportation Commission

Appointment of a new member to the commission.

Approved

Item 4a & 4b: Journal of council proceedings

Approval of previous council meeting minutes.

Approved

Item 5: Requests for uncontested continuances

Several items were struck from the agenda due to repairs or further work needed.

No Action

Item 6: Revocable permits

No revocable permits were presented.

No Action

OCMFA Items A-F: Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA) items

Approval of various OCMFA matters, including financial reports.

Approved

OCPPA Items A-D: Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPPA) items

Approval of various OCPPA matters, including financial reports.

Approved

OCEAT Items A-B: Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (OCEAT) items

Approval of various OCEAT matters, including financial reports.

Approved

Consent Docket (Items 7A-7X, excluding pulled items)

A collection of routine items approved together.

Approved

Item 7BM: Awarding contract for surf machine at the Boathouse

Contract for a surf machine as part of the MAPS 3 Boathouse Foundation projects.

Approved

Item 7BP: Donation agreement between Fields and Futures Foundation and the Parks Department

Donation for improvements at Southern Oaks Park.

Approved

Item 7AL: Public art for the USA Softball Hall of Fame complex

Request for qualifications to be advertised for public art.

Approved

Item 8A: Concurrence at the Oklahoma City Economic Development Trust and approving economic development agreement with Wheeler Community Foundation and Lilly

Concurrence with an economic development agreement related to TIF District #12.

Approved

Item 9a1: Ordinance on final hearing at 6401 N Sooner Rd (AA to C3)

Rezoning application.

Approved

Item 9a2: Ordinance on final hearing at 2105 SW 55th St (C3 to R4)

Rezoning application.

Referred to Planning Commission

Item 9a3: Ordinance on final hearing at 1104-1106 SE 51st St (C3 to I1)

Rezoning application.

Approved

Item 9a4: Ordinance on final hearing at 220 NW 95th St (R1 to I1)

Rezoning application.

Approved

Item 9a5: Ordinance on final hearing at 10900 N County Line Rd (PUD 954 to PUD 1737)

Rezoning application.

Approved

Item 9a6: Ordinance on final hearing at 10020 W Wilshire Blvd (R1 & SBD 472 to SBUD 1148)

Rezoning application to allow a wholesale tree nursery.

Approved

Item 9a7: Ordinance on final hearing at 526 SE 12th St (R1 to SPUD 1159)

Rezoning application.

Approved

Item 9a8: Ordinance on final hearing at 1516 N MacArthur Blvd (R1 to SPUD 1161)

Rezoning application to allow auto sales.

Approved

Item 9b: Ordinance on final hearing closing a utility easement extending south from SW 11th St west of S Mustang Rd

Closure of a utility easement.

Approved

Item 9c: Ordinance on final hearing closing portions of Street rights-of-way east of N Santa Fe Ave and south of NW 122nd

Closure of street rights-of-way.

Approved

Item 9d1: Amendment to ordinance adding "right-of-way" to areas not to be obstructed

Amending the disorderly conduct ordinance.

Approved

Item 9d2: Ordinance on final hearing regarding areas not to be obstructed

Adoption of the amended disorderly conduct ordinance.

Adopted

Item 9e1: Public hearing regarding the Adventure District Business Improvement District

Public hearing for the BID.

Public comments heard

Item 9e2: Resolution adopting and confirming the assessment roll year 2020 for the Adventure District Business Improvement District

Adoption of the assessment roll.

Approved

Item 9f: Ordinance on final hearing adopting and setting the assessment roll year 2020 for the Adventure District Business Improvement District

Adoption of the ordinance for the assessment roll.

Approved

Item 9g1: Second public hearing regarding ordinance number 25081 approving and adopting the amended and restated Northeast Renaissance redevelopment project plan

Public hearing for the redevelopment plan.

Public comments heard

Item 9g2: Ordinance number 26310 on final hearing with emergency regarding the Northeast Renaissance redevelopment project plan

Adoption of the redevelopment plan ordinance.

Adopted

Item 9h1: Public hearing regarding the joint resolution with the Oklahoma City Economic Development Trust approving allocations outlined in item 9h2

Public hearing for TIF allocation.

Public comments heard

Item 9h2: Resolution approving allocations of $4.4 million from Increment District B

Allocation of funds for public improvements in northeast Oklahoma City.

Approved

Item 9i: Public hearing regarding ordinance relating to personnel and retirement systems

Public hearing for changes to personnel and retirement systems.

Public comments heard

Item 9j: Public hearing regarding the ordinance related to the zoning and planning code amending chapter 59 (Healthy Neighborhoods Overlay District)

Public hearing for the overlay district.

Public comments heard

Item 9k1 & 9k2: Ordinances to be introduced set for public hearing on January 7th, 2020, and final hearing January 21st, relating to emergency changes to traffic ordinances

Introduction of ordinances to allow Public Works Director/City Engineer to make emergency traffic changes.

Introduced

Item 9l: Ordinance number 26345 to be introduced and adopted with emergency discipline, creating the youth tax

Introduction and adoption of an ordinance to set the use tax rate.

Adopted

Item 9m1: Public hearing regarding the dilapidated structures here listed

Public hearing for dilapidated structures.

Public comments heard

Item 9m2: Resolution declaring that the structures are dilapidated

Declaration of dilapidated structures.

Approved

Item 9o1: Public hearing regarding the unsecured structures here listed

Public hearing for unsecured structures.

Public comments heard

Item 9o2: Resolution declaring that the structures are unsecured

Declaration of unsecured structures.

Approved

Item 9p1: Public hearing regarding the abandoned buildings here listed

Public hearing for abandoned buildings.

Public comments heard

Item 9p2: Resolution declaring that the buildings are abandoned

Declaration of abandoned buildings.

Approved

Item 9r: Resolution repealing and replacing prior resolution adopted on September 24th, 2019, declaring the need for the adoption of the International Residential Code

Update to the adoption of the International Residential Code.

Approved

Item 9s: Collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME

Approval of a collective bargaining agreement.

Approved

Item 9t: Resolution approving revisions to Police Policy 550 for use of force

Approval of updated use of force policy for the police department.

Approved

Item 9u1: Resolution approving the request for salary continuation for Corporal Jonathan Wechter

Approval of salary continuation.

Approved

Item 9v1: Joint resolution with the Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority authorizing the firm of Collins Oran and Wagner PC to represent municipal employee Oklahoma City police officer John Ricketts

Authorization for legal representation.

Approved

Item 9w2: Executive session on the advice of the municipal counselor to receive confidential communications from the attorneys regarding Deer Creek water courses city of OKC

Executive session for legal advice.

Entered

Item 9x1: Claims recommended for denial

Denial of various claims.

Denied

Extra Item 1: Resolution to authorize the Mayor to issue a proclamation calling a special election to be held within the city on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2020

Calling a special election for a 1/8 cent sales tax for parks.

Approved

Extra Item 2: Resolution relating to the special election called for March 3rd, 2020, to submit the ordinance proposed by initiative petition number 42

Resolution for the special election.

Approved

Item 10a1: Claim recommended for approval

Approval of a claim.

Approved

Item 11a1: Ordinance amendment to simplify the process for street entertainers

Original proposal for street entertainers.

No Action

Item 11a2: Ordinance amending sections of the Municipal Code to delete the permit requirement for street entertainers along the Bricktown Canal

Removal of special permit requirements for Bricktown street entertainers.

Adopted

Item 11b: Ordinance making licenses for street entertainers not required citywide

Removal of citywide license requirements for street entertainers.

Adopted

Item 11c: Ordinance to be introduced set for public hearing on January 17th, final hearing on January 21st, relating to vehicles for hire and advertising on such vehicles

Introduction of an ordinance to allow advertising on vehicles for hire.

Introduced

Item 11d: Ordinance to be referred to the Planning Commission for its consideration, related to zoning and planning code etc. relating to written notice of public hearings for rezoning applications

Referral of an ordinance to require more detailed written notices for rezoning applications.

Referred to Planning Commission

Item 11e: Resolution amending sections 105.401 and 1203 of the city of Oklahoma City personnel policies to include specific reference to discrimination based upon gender identity and/or gender expression

Amendment to personnel policies for LGBTQ+ protections.

Approved