Meeting Summary
The City Council approved several revocable permits for community events, including the Downtown Fourth Fest and the I Love the 90s 5K. A contentious zoning request to rezone agricultural land to R1 residential was tabled and referred back to the Planning Commission for a Planned Unit Development. The Council also discussed and approved an amendment to the historic landmark designation ordinance and received updates on the comprehensive plan on homelessness and proposed changes to the Northeast Renaissance TIF district.
Key Decisions & Votes
Journal of Council Proceedings
The Journal of council proceedings for June 18th was received, and the Journal for June 4th was approved.
Revocable Permit: Downtown Fourth Fest
A revocable permit was approved for Downtown Fourth Fest to host Oklahoma City's largest fireworks show on July 4th at the Boathouse District.
Revocable Permit: Oklahoma State Game Warden Association
A revocable permit was approved for the Oklahoma State Game Warden Association to host the North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association annual conference in July.
Revocable Permit: Ram Racing (I Love the 90s 5K)
A revocable permit was approved for Ram Racing to hold the 'I Love the 90s 5K' event, featuring a run and an after-party.
OCMFA, OCPPA, OCEET Items
All items presented under the Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority, Oklahoma City Public Property Authority, and Oklahoma City Economic Trust Environmental Trust were approved.
Consent Docket
The consent docket, including several items pulled for discussion, was approved.
Concurrence Docket
The concurrence docket, including items subject to individual consideration, was approved.
Zoning Case: Agricultural to R1 Residential (Ward 3)
A request to rezone a 40-acre tract from agricultural to R1 residential was tabled and referred back to the Planning Commission with instructions to develop a Planned Unit Development (PUD) to address neighbor concerns.
PC 1058-2: R4 to C3 Zoning (Ward 6)
A straight zoning case from R4 to C3 for commercial business was approved.
PC 1058-3: PUD to Agricultural Zoning (Ward 7)
An application to zone from a PUD to agricultural was approved.
PC 1058-4: Rezoning for Auto Storage (Ward 7)
An application for final hearing to rezone property for auto storage was approved.
PC 1058-5: BNSF Rail Yard Expansion (Ward 4)
An application for the BNSF expansion of a rail yard in a heavy industrial area was approved.
PUD 1724: Residential Subdivision (Ward 3)
A PUD for a residential subdivision at 59th and Sarah, including changes to lot size, setbacks, and brick requirements, was approved.
SPUD 1120: Zoning Conformance (Ward 6)
A special permit to bring the zoning of a 2-unit/plex property into conformance was approved.
C 991 OMB: Closing Utility Easement (Ward 3)
An ordinance on final hearing to close a portion of a 30-foot utility easement was approved.
SP 524: Mining Permit (Ward 3)
A special permit for sand mining was approved, with staff confirming that drainage and other concerns would be addressed through subsequent permitting processes.
SP 525: Telecommunications Tower (Ward 3)
A special permit to construct a telecommunications tower was approved, with a request for the consultant to review and update future cell tower application requirements.
Parking Meter Removal (Ward 6)
The removal of some metered parking along 4th Street, where streetcars are present, was approved.
Angle Parking Addition (Ward 6)
The addition of angle parking along 8th Street, west of Walker, was approved.
Reserved Handicap Parking (Ward 6)
The reservation of a handicap parking space along Northwest 8th Street, west of Walker, was approved.
Ordinance Introduction: Vehicle for Hire Ordinance Changes
An ordinance proposing changes to allow low-speed vehicles to operate as vehicles for hire was moved to a public hearing.
Public Hearing: Dilapidated Structures
A resolution declaring buildings as dilapidated was passed.
Public Hearing: Unsecured Structures
A resolution declaring buildings as unsecured was passed.
Public Hearing: Abandoned Buildings
A resolution declaring buildings as abandoned was passed.
Joint Resolution: Transfer GO Bond Proceeds
A joint resolution authorizing the transfer of over $30 million from 2019 taxable series general obligation bonds to the Economic Development Trust was approved.
Salary Continuation: Jimmy Barnet
A request for salary continuation for Jimmy Barnet was approved.
Salary Continuation: Mark Stroke
A request for salary continuation for Mark Stroke was approved.
Joint Resolution: Legal Representation for Employee
A joint resolution authorizing Collins, Thorn, and Wagner to represent an employee was approved.
Confess Judgment and Liability: Katherine Wade
A request to authorize the Municipal Counselor to confess judgment and liability in a case was moved to executive session.
Collective Bargaining
A discussion regarding collective bargaining was moved to executive session.
Claims Recommended for Denial
Two claims recommended for denial were denied by the Council.
Claims Recommended for Approval
One claim recommended for approval was approved by the Council.
Ordinance Amendment: Historic Landmark Designation
An ordinance amendment was approved to modify the process for initiating historic landmark designations, particularly when property owners do not desire the designation, aiming for quicker and less expensive decisions by the City Council.
Resolution: Approving City Travel
A resolution approving city travel for a conference was approved after discussion regarding its educational versus political nature.
Upcoming Community Events
Downtown Fourth Fest
Boathouse District, featuring Oklahoma City's largest fireworks show starting at 9:45 PM. Free event, with River Sport Adventures activities open.
North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association Annual Conference
Hosted in Oklahoma City, includes a fallen officer memorial 5K and a game warden skills competition at Wiley Post Park.
I Love the 90s 5K
Course featured in front of Fassler Hall, starting at 8:00 AM, followed by an after-party.
Bricktown Canal 20th Anniversary Celebration
Party like it's 1999, with water taxi rides and recognition of the canal's impact.
Jessie Jordan's 105th Birthday Party
6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at 117 North Kelly Avenue.
Financial Matters
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPPA) Budget
The OCPPA budget totals $56.7 million for FY20, with primary revenue sources from golf course revenues, general fund transfers, hotel tax fund transfers, and fund balance.
Hotel Tax Fund Transfer to OCPPA
Anticipated transfer of $14.7 million from the hotel tax fund to the PPA, with approximately $6.4 million expected to return to the hotel tax fund after debt service.
MAPS Related Contracts and Capital
Funding for MAPS related contracts and capital, including SMG management of Cox Convention Center and Chesapeake Arena, pre-opening activities for MAPS 3 convention center, and Oklahoma River dredging.
Golf Courses Funding
Funding for golf courses, with green fees and surcharges totaling $4.5 million, and general fund transfers of $900,000 for water and $300,000 to subsidize Stuart golf course operations.
Payment to NCAA for Women's College World Series
Approval of contract authority and budget authority for a payment to the NCAA for the 2019 Women's College World Series, due to the closure of All Sports Association.
Transfer of 2019 GO Bond Proceeds
Transfer of over $30 million from the sale of 2019 taxable series general obligation bonds to the Economic Development Trust for job creation and affordable housing programs.
Salary Continuation for Jimmy Barnet
Approval of salary continuation.
Salary Continuation for Mark Stroke
Approval of salary continuation.
Claims Recommended for Denial
Two claims were recommended for denial by the Council.
Claims Recommended for Approval
One claim was recommended for approval by the Council.
Amnesty Program for Warrants
Report on the new amnesty program, which collected $1,500 from 10 cases on its first day, with a potential to bring in $300,000 to $600,000 over nine months.
Development Impact Fee Adjustment
An automatic 1.8% increase in development impact fees based on the construction cost index.
Public Comments
Public comments included a complaint about the city's handling of a garbage truck accident claim, strong opposition and support for a residential rezoning project citing concerns over flooding, traffic, environmental impact, and the need for affordable housing. Other citizens spoke about ongoing issues with a mining permit, including unauthorized activity and drainage problems, and proposals for youth job programs and access to recreational areas in Northeast Oklahoma City.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Zoning case (Ward 3, agricultural to R1 residential) referred back to Planning Commission for PUD development.
- SPUD 1059
Watch For
- Contract for the comprehensive plan on homelessness to come before Council for approval on July 16th.
- Next Task Force meeting on homelessness on Friday, July 19th, at 1:30 PM at the public library.
- Final reports for traffic impact studies anticipated by the end of the calendar year.
- Northeast Renaissance TIF district (TIF #9) amendments to go through TIF review committee, Planning Commission, and multiple City Council hearings over several months.
Announcements
- July is Parks and Recreation Month, recognizing the department's contributions to community well-being, health, economic prosperity, and environmental quality.
- The Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department's competitive soccer team won the Presidents Cup regional championship, the first time for an OKC team, and is heading to the national tournament.
- The Bricktown Canal celebrated its 20th anniversary on July 2nd, 1999, with over 40,000 visitors in its first six hours of operation.
- Oklahoma City Pride hosted its largest event ever, with 100,000 to 120,000 attendees.
- The Boys and Girls Club Capitol Hill facility is doing fantastic work, including art programs.
- Pivot, a non-profit, is building tiny homes to serve teenagers experiencing homelessness in Oklahoma County.
- The Oklahoma Federation of Colored Women's Clubs celebrated its 109th anniversary.
- Jiminy Hoops Fest will be held every Thursday (except this Thursday) at the Northeast Center.
- OKN brought 23 young people to City Hall to learn about city government.
- Jessie Jordan, a centenarian, will celebrate her 105th birthday on Friday, July 5th, with a party at 117 North Kelly Avenue.
- The new amnesty program for warrants had a successful first day, receiving many inquiries and collecting $1,500 from 10 cases.
Agenda Summary
Journal of council proceedings
Receive the Journal of council proceedings for June 18th and approve the Journal of council proceedings for June 4th.
Protests, requests for uncontested continuances
Several items were withdrawn, deferred, or stricken from the agenda due to owner repairs, need for re-notification, or applicant withdrawal.
Revocable permit for Downtown Fourth Fest
Request to use the park's parking lot on the southwest side of Lincoln on the south side of the river for fireworks display.
Revocable permit for Oklahoma State Game Warden Association
Request to host the North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association annual conference, including a 5K memorial run and a skills competition at Wiley Post Park.
Revocable permit for Ram Racing (I Love the 90s 5K)
Request to hold a 5K run featured in front of Fassler Hall, celebrating 90s culture.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA) items
Seven items presented for approval.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPPA) items and budget presentation
Nine items presented, including a presentation on the OCPPA budget totaling $56.7 million for FY20.
Oklahoma City Economic Trust Environmental Trust (OCEET) items
One item presented for approval.
Consent Docket
Approval of various routine items, with several pulled for discussion.
Discussion on economic funding for districts (AK1, AM, AU1, AV1, BA, CJ1)
Councilman Cooper inquired about the use of funds for beautification, walkability, safety, homelessness services, street resurfacing, stormwater analysis, streetscape improvements, and median maintenance.
Discussion on payment to NCAA (BJ)
Discussion regarding a $305,104.72 payment to the NCAA for the Women's College World Series due to All Sports Association's closure.
Citizen complaint regarding city garbage truck accident claim (CR5)
A citizen complained about the city's handling and communication during a claim process following an accident with a city garbage truck.
Concurrence Docket
Approval of items subject to individual consideration.
Zoning case (Ward 3, agricultural to R1 residential)
Request to rezone a 40-acre tract near Southwest 15th Street and Morgan Road for single-family homes, facing neighborhood concerns about flooding, traffic, and rental housing.
PC 1058-2 (Ward 6, R4 to C3)
Straight zoning case from R4 to C3 for commercial use.
PC 1058-3 (Ward 7, PUD to agricultural)
Application to zone from a PUD to agricultural.
PC 1058-4 (Ward 7, rezoning for auto storage)
Application for final hearing recommended for approval to allow development for auto storage.
PC 1058-5 (Ward 4, BNSF expansion of rail yard)
Approval for a BNSF expansion of a rail yard in a heavy industrial area.
PUD 1724 (Ward 3, residential subdivision)
PUD for a residential subdivision at 59th and Sarah, with changes in lot size, front setback, and brick requirement.
SPUD 1120 (Ward 6, zoning conformance)
Special permit to bring zoning into conformance for a 2-unit/plex property.
C 991 OMB (Ward 3, closing utility easement)
Ordinance on final hearing to close a portion of a 30-foot utility easement.
SP 524 (Ward 3, mining permit)
Special permit for sand mining, facing protests regarding drainage and truck traffic.
SP 525 (Ward 3, telecommunications tower)
Special permit to construct a telecommunications tower.
PUD 1710
Applicant withdrew the item.
SPUD 1059
Item was deferred.
Parking meter removal (Ward 6, 4th Street)
Removal of metered parking along 4th Street due to streetcar presence.
Angle parking addition (Ward 6, 8th Street)
Addition of angle parking along 8th Street, west of Walker.
Reserved handicap parking (Ward 6, 8th Street)
Reservation of a handicap parking spot along Northwest 8th Street, west of Walker.
Public hearing on boat stall fees
Public hearing regarding boat stall fees, previously presented by Chris Browning.
Ordinance for introduction: Vehicle for hire ordinance changes
Proposed changes to allow low-speed vehicles (similar to golf carts) to operate as vehicles for hire in areas with speed limits no greater than 35 mph.
Public hearing regarding dilapidated structures
Resolution declaring buildings as dilapidated.
Public hearing regarding unsecured structures
Resolution declaring buildings as unsecured.
Public hearing regarding abandoned buildings
Resolution declaring buildings as abandoned.
Joint resolution transferring GO bond proceeds
Authorizing the transfer of net proceeds and accrued interest from the sale of 2019 taxable series general obligation bonds to the Economic Development Trust.
Salary continuation for Jimmy Barnet
Request for salary continuation.
Salary continuation for Mark Stroke
Request for salary continuation.
Joint resolution with OCMFA authorizing legal representation
Authorizing the firm of Collins, Thorn, and Wagner to represent an employee.
Confess judgment and liability in Katherine Wade case
Request to authorize Municipal Counselor to confess judgment and liability.
Collective bargaining
Discussion regarding collective bargaining.
Claims recommended for denial
Two claims recommended for denial.
Claims recommended for approval
One claim recommended for approval.
Ordinance amendment regarding historic landmark designation
Proposed amendment to change who can initiate an application for historic landmark designation, limiting it to the City Council when property owners do not desire the designation.
Resolution approving city travel
Resolution to approve city travel for a conference.
Presentation on Northeast Renaissance TIF district (TIF #9) amendments
Informational presentation outlining proposed changes to TIF #9, including establishing a separate increment area east of Bryant Avenue and adding new increment areas within the core.
Development impact fee adjustment
Report item on the automatic 1.8% increase in development impact fees based on the construction cost index.