Meeting Summary
The City Council meeting was primarily dedicated to presentations and discussions of the Fiscal Year 2020 proposed budget from the Utilities, Parks and Recreation, Planning, and Airports Departments. A public hearing for the annual budget was held with no public speakers. The meeting also included recognition of retiring city employees, MT and Diana Barry, for their decades of service.
Upcoming Community Events
Hindu Temple of Oklahoma City 25th Anniversary Celebration
Celebrated in Ward 7, recognized for its unique architecture and community presence.
Financial Matters
Utilities Department Proposed Revenue
Projected revenue stream of approximately $642 million, including service charges ($336M), debt construction funds ($239M), and withdrawals from cash reserve ($52M).
Utilities Department Proposed Uses of Funds
Projected uses include capital funds ($390M), city utility operations ($102M), debt service ($55M), and service contracts ($53M).
Utilities Department Capital Improvements
Total projected capital improvements of $390 million, including Atoka pipeline ($159M), South Canadian wastewater treatment plant upgrades ($80M), water and sewer line replacements ($16M), and Hefner/Draper interconnect ($3M).
Parks and Recreation Department Budget
The department's budget is $32 million, with a significant increase in management fees for the downtown parks (Scissortail and Myriad Gardens).
Planning Department Budget
The department's budget is $29 million, with a general fund portion of $4 million and approximately $25 million from federal HUD grants.
Airports Department Proposed Revenue
Anticipated total Airport charges of over $63.6 million, with other revenue sources projected at $13.8 million, and carryover/revenue bond proceeds comprising a total trust budget of $141.34 million.
Airports Department Proposed Uses of Funds
Total operating expenditures planned at over $51.9 million, with a significant amount of capital outlay at almost $87 million, largely for the terminal expansion project.
Public Comments
Michael Washington expressed concerns about a $10 fee for youth at the Douglas Center, perceived gentrification, and a lack of programs for the African-American community, threatening a lawsuit. Maya Shadid highlighted the importance of parks for physical, mental, and spiritual public health, advocating for neighborhood parks in low-income communities. Dalia Shadid emphasized that park utilization requires better facilities (restrooms, lighting, water), targeted programming, and effective marketing to maximize public health benefits.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Budget adoption meeting next week.
- Report on the sports field study by PROS Consulting in the coming months.
- Homelessness strategy to be completed by next spring.
Announcements
- MT Barry is retiring after almost 49 years of service as a city employee.
- Diana Barry, former Personnel Director, is also retiring, having served the city for a long tenure.
Agenda Summary
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Opening of the meeting with an invocation by Councilman Larry McAtee and the Pledge of Allegiance by Councilman Todd Stone.
Public Hearing: Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2020
A formal public hearing as part of the budget process to allow citizens to speak on the annual budget.
Presentation and Discussion of Fiscal Year 2020 Proposed Budget - Utilities Department
Chris Browning, Utilities Director, presented the Utilities Department's budget, strategic initiatives, revenue streams, uses of funds, and capital improvement projects.
Presentation and Discussion of Fiscal Year 2020 Proposed Budget - Parks and Recreation Department
Doug Kupper, Parks and Recreation Director, presented the department's modernized mission and vision, core principles, business centers, and budget highlights, including new facilities and programs.
Presentation and Discussion of Fiscal Year 2020 Proposed Budget - Planning Department
Aubrey McDermid, Assistant City Manager and former Planning Director, presented the Planning Department's budget, mission, divisions, and how their work aligns with City Council priorities, focusing on thriving neighborhoods and transportation.
Presentation and Discussion of Fiscal Year 2020 Proposed Budget - Airports Department
Mark Kranenburg, Airports Director, presented the budget for Will Rogers World Airport, Wiley Post Airport, and Clarence E. Page Airport, covering revenue, expenditures, completed projects, and future initiatives.
Items from Council
Council members offered comments, including recognition of retiring city employees MT and Diana Barry, and shared community engagement experiences.
City Manager Reports
The City Manager acknowledged the upcoming retirement of MT and Diana Barry.
Citizens to be Heard
Two citizens spoke regarding the importance of parks for public health and strategies for increasing park utilization.
Adjournment
The meeting concluded.