Meeting Summary
The City Council introduced an ordinance to streamline street entertainment permits, removing redundant requirements and setting a public hearing for November 19th. A 180-day moratorium was also introduced, amended, and adopted with emergency declaration, targeting billboard sign applications near Lake Hefner Parkway due to ongoing concerns and negotiations. The Convention and Visitors Bureau presented a strong first-quarter report, highlighting significant economic impact from equine events and growth in hotel capacity.
Key Decisions & Votes
Introduction of Street Entertainer Ordinance
00:10:00The Council unanimously approved the introduction of an ordinance to streamline the permitting process for street entertainers, removing a redundant permit for the Bricktown Canal and consolidating safety regulations.
Amendment to Lake Hefner Parkway Billboard Moratorium Ordinance
00:19:00The Council unanimously approved an amendment to Section 1 of the proposed moratorium ordinance, specifically adding 'the erection of signs' to the moratorium's scope.
Adoption of Amended Lake Hefner Parkway Billboard Moratorium Ordinance
00:19:30The Council unanimously adopted the ordinance, as amended, imposing a 180-day moratorium on billboard sign applications near Lake Hefner Parkway.
Emergency Declaration for Lake Hefner Parkway Billboard Moratorium
00:19:50The Council unanimously approved the emergency declaration for the adopted moratorium ordinance, making it effective immediately.
Upcoming Community Events
Britton District Family-Friendly Event
11 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring food and music, inviting residents from Ward 2, 7, and 8.
Ward 7 Maps for Informational Town Hall
6 p.m. at Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church (North East 42nd and Kelley), focusing on Ward 7 projects.
Oklahoma City Police Department and Neighborhood Alliance Permit Information Session
Same church location as the Town Hall, covering 'what you need to know' about permits and citizen rights.
Community Plant-Based Thanksgiving
4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the National Women in Agriculture building (1701 North Martin Luther King), free of charge (RSVP required).
Financial Matters
Street Entertainer Permits
The proposed ordinance removes a $100 annual permit fee for Bricktown Canal performances (of which zero have been issued) and maintains a $30 annual citywide license fee, resulting in minimal fiscal impact (less than $100/year).
American Quarter Horse Association's Annual Championship Show
This event, in its 44th consecutive year, is expected to generate approximately $38 million in direct spending for Oklahoma City.
National Reining Horse Association's Futurity
Starting on Thanksgiving Day, this event is projected to bring in nearly $20 million in direct spending.
Public Comments
Three citizens spoke on various topics. One expressed concerns about new gun laws, mental health, and public safety incidents involving firearms. Another commented on building height near medical flight paths and ongoing issues with sidewalk accessibility and ADA compliance. The third advocated for the recognition of Kwanzaa as a national holiday in Oklahoma City to promote African American culture and pride.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Public hearing for street entertainer ordinance: November 19th
- Final hearing for street entertainer ordinance: December 3rd
- Ward 7 Maps for informational Town Hall: Tonight (date of meeting), 6 p.m.
- OKC Police Department and Neighborhood Alliance permit information session: Next Thursday (November 14th)
- Community Plant-Based Thanksgiving: November 17th, 4-6 p.m.
- Women in Aviation Aerospace Day (actual celebration day): December 9th
Watch For
- A spud (special use permit) related to billboard signs is expected to return for consideration in two weeks.
- Resurfacing of Hefner from Penn to Hefner Parkway in Ward 2 and Ward 8.
- Potential future collaborations between councilpersons on ward issues.
- Further discussion on the history and impact of the Brockway Center and the Oklahoma City Federation of Color Women's Club.
Announcements
- Councilperson Stonecipher joined Councilperson Grant on a tour of Ward 2, extending into Ward 7 and 8, to foster understanding and collaboration.
- Councilperson Stonecipher celebrated his 36th wedding anniversary and his wife Mary Ann's birthday.
- Councilperson Nice attended Women in Aviation Aerospace Day, honoring women who have impacted aviation and aerospace.
- St. Mark Baptist Church celebrated its 61st homecoming.
- Young people from Ft. Moon's after-school STEAM program chess team (Rodney Parks, Rickey Dooley, Daytona Dooley) were commended for their performance in a tournament, along with volunteer Derek Hamrick.
- Councilperson Grant thanked city staff from various departments for attending a Better Streets Maps 4 informational meeting in Ward 2 at Will Rogers Park.
- The Convention and Visitors Bureau reported strong first-quarter results, exceeding goals for definite business booked and seeing significant interest in the new Convention Center.
- The American Quarter Horse Association's annual championship show and the National Reining Horse Association's Futurity are expected to generate significant direct spending in Oklahoma City.
Agenda Summary
Item 10a: Ordinance regarding street entertainers along the Bricktown Canal and vending permits
Introduction of an ordinance to streamline the permitting process for street entertainers (buskers) by removing a secondary permit requirement from the Parks Department and consolidating safety restrictions under a single licensing requirement.
Item 10b: Ordinance declaring a 180-day moratorium on billboard sign applications near Lake Hefner Parkway
Introduction of an ordinance to impose a 180-day moratorium on electrical, sign, building permits, and rezoning applications for billboard signs within 660 feet of Lake Hefner Parkway, from Northwest 63rd Street north to West Memorial Road, to allow time for stakeholder discussions and address public health and safety concerns.
Item 11: City Manager Reports - Convention and Visitors Bureau First Quarter Report
Presentation of the Convention and Visitors Bureau's first-quarter performance, including booked business, future leads, industry trade show participation, economic impact of equine events, marketing efforts, and growth in hotel tax revenue and room inventory.