Meeting Summary
The city council held a special meeting to discuss potential MAPS 4 projects, focusing on presentations for youth centers, beautification initiatives, the State Fair Coliseum, senior wellness centers, and a new animal shelter. No formal decisions were made, as the meeting served as a forum for information gathering and public input on these proposed initiatives.
Upcoming Community Events
Hoopfest Jam and Hoopfest
Northeast Community Center
Arabian Horse Association Youth Nationals
Financial Matters
Youth Centers
Proposed cost for four youth centers is $60-80 million, with a $25 million operating investment fund (expected to yield $1 million annually) and a capital fund (expected to yield $400,000 annually).
Beautification
Proposed capital investment of $15-20 million for city corridors and gateways, plus a $5 million operating fund to perpetually fund 2-3 beautification staff positions (yielding $200,000 annually).
State Fair Coliseum
Estimated cost for a new Coliseum is $95 million. The State Fairgrounds generates approximately $13 million in annual sales tax revenue and plans a substantial contribution from hotel motel tax revenue starting in 2022/2023.
Senior Wellness Centers
Wellness Center number four is estimated to cost about $14.5 million. Discussions included the need for funding mechanisms to ensure affordability for low-income seniors.
Animal Shelter
Estimated cost for a new animal shelter is $40-45 million. A renovation of the existing facility was estimated at $20-25 million, but deemed insufficient.
Public Comments
Public comments were overwhelmingly supportive of the proposed projects, with many speakers sharing personal anecdotes and data to emphasize the importance of each initiative. For youth centers, themes included providing safe spaces, mentorship, reducing crime, and supporting early childhood development. Beautification advocates highlighted economic benefits, quality of life, and the importance of green infrastructure. Supporters of the State Fair Coliseum stressed its economic impact, role in tourism, and the need to maintain Oklahoma City's status as the 'horse show capital of the world.' Senior wellness center speakers focused on health outcomes, affordability, and the positive impact on seniors' mental and physical well-being. The animal shelter presentation garnered emotional support, with speakers detailing the current facility's dire conditions, high euthanasia rates, and the critical need for a modern, humane facility to improve animal welfare and community health. General comments also touched on public conduct at meetings and the potential for sports tourism.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Next special city council meetings on MAPS 4 projects on July 31st and August 6th.
- Regular city council meeting on Tuesday.
Announcements
- Councilman Stone Cipher was absent due to a work conflict.
- Northeast Community Center is hosting a Hoopfest Jam and Hoopfest tonight.
- Christian Robinson celebrated his 21st birthday on Saturday.
- Police officers Holt and Farwick were commended for de-escalating a situation with an autistic teen.
- The Planning Commission meeting, originally slated for 1:30 PM, will be delayed until the conclusion of this city council meeting.
Agenda Summary
3A Presentation on Youth Centers
Presentation by Parks Director Doug Kupper on the need for new youth centers to engage youth after school and during summers, address juvenile crime, and provide early childhood development opportunities. Examples of modern facilities and funding models were discussed.
3B Presentation on Beautification
Presentation by Mayor Holt on the need for beautification of city corridors, gateways, and specific areas, including I-44, the airport corridor, Clara Looper Corridor, and river bridges. The proposal included capital investments and dedicated staff positions for beautification.
3C Presentation on State Fair Coliseum
Presentation by former Mayor Ron Norick and Tim O'Toole on the necessity of replacing the 54-year-old Norick Arena due to its deteriorated condition. The proposal highlighted its economic impact, role in tourism, and competitive landscape with other cities, suggesting a partnership funding model.
3D Presentation on Senior Wellness Centers
Presentation by David Todd on the success of existing MAPS 3 senior wellness centers and the potential for adding two more. The discussion covered current programming, membership, and the need to address underserved areas and affordability for vulnerable seniors.
3E Presentation on Animal Shelter
Presentation by John Gary and Louisa McCune on the dire need for a new animal shelter. The current facility, designed for euthanasia, is outdated and inefficient. The proposal emphasized improving animal welfare, public safety, and community health through a modern, welcoming resource center.