Meeting Summary
The City Council meeting covered a wide range of topics, including several proclamations for community awareness months and recognition of an outstanding teacher. Key discussions revolved around the process for hiring a new city manager following the current manager's retirement, and a lengthy debate on proposed amendments to the city's short-term rental (Airbnb) ordinance, which was ultimately deferred for further discussion. The council also approved numerous planning items, streetcar-related ordinances, and updates to the community and neighborhood enhancement program.
Key Decisions & Votes
Vice Mayor Appointment
01:00:00Mark K. Stone Cipher was appointed to serve as Vice Mayor for the six-month period beginning October 9th.
Board and Commission Appointments
01:01:00Appointments were approved for JD Baker to Lake Atoka, Regina Banks to Mary Gardens Foundation, and Matt Hinkle and Asa Highsmith to the Planning Commission.
City Manager Retirement Acceptance
01:16:00A resolution was adopted accepting the letter of retirement from City Manager James D. Couch, effective January 2nd, 2019.
Scissortail Park Art Selection
01:35:00Authorization was given to negotiate a contract for the 'Taking Flight' art piece for the Upper Scissortail Park, with recommendations for conservator review and fabricator selection.
Rural Sourcing Inc. Incentive
01:58:00Authorization was given to negotiate and allocate $450,000 for Rural Sourcing Inc., contingent on meeting job and investment thresholds, to create 150 quality jobs.
Marijuana Ordinance Amendments
02:40:00Amendments to the marijuana ordinance were adopted, including covering two species of THC-containing plants, requiring licenses to be on person, and reducing the maximum fine for paraphernalia to $50.
Streetcar Fare Evasion Fine
02:50:00The ordinance regarding fines for failure to pay streetcar fare was deferred for further discussion on the fine amount and its administrative implications.
Streetcar Movement Interference Ordinance
02:51:00An ordinance prohibiting turning in front of streetcars and interfering with their movement was approved.
Streetcar Noise Ordinance
02:52:00An ordinance related to streetcar noise was approved.
Oklahoma River Master Plan and Naming
03:15:00A master plan for landscape and hardscape improvements to the north side of the Oklahoma River was approved, along with naming a 3.5-mile section the 'Oklahoma City Community Foundation River Trail'.
Community and Neighborhood Enhancement Program Update
03:25:00The September 2018 update to the Community and Neighborhood Enhancement Program project implementation plan was adopted, approving allocation of Better Streets Safer City sales tax funds for new projects.
Workers Compensation Subrogation Claim
03:26:00A joint resolution authorizing the municipal counselor to settle a workers' compensation subrogation claim was approved.
City Manager Staff Briefings Rules
03:45:00A resolution establishing summary rules for city managers' staff briefings of small groups and a two-public meeting requirement for economic development items was approved.
Real Estate Sale Meeting Schedule
03:46:00A resolution establishing a three-public meeting schedule for the sale of real estate was approved.
Upcoming Community Events
Open Streets OKC Day
From 1 PM to 5 PM, from Wiley Post Park down South Robinson Avenue to Southwest 29th Street, featuring non-motorized activities and local businesses.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Proclaimed for the month of October, with the 25th Annual Komen Oklahoma City Race for the Cure on October 20th.
Disability Awareness Month
Proclaimed for the month of October, with a special Disability Awareness Day and the 28th Annual Awards Luncheon on October 25th.
Red Coyote Run toberfest 5K
Starts at 4 PM in Midtown, benefiting Girls on the Run of Oklahoma City.
Rosary in Saint Francis Oktoberfest
Held by Saint Francis of Assisi Church and Rosary School on Kentucky between 18th and 19th.
Race for the Cure
25th annual race by Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, starting at Bicentennial Park in front of City Hall.
Financial Matters
Rural Sourcing Inc. Incentive
Allocation for 150 quality jobs, paid out over a five to seven-year timeframe, contingent on meeting job and investment thresholds.
Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Amendment
Resolution adopting an amendment to the fiscal year 2019 budget, including funding for the Native American Cultural Center.
Public Safety Sales Tax Funds
Resolution approving allocation of Better Streets Safer City sales tax funds for the Community and Neighborhood Enhancement Program.
Public Comments
Public comments primarily focused on the proposed short-term rental (Airbnb) ordinance, with representatives from Airbnb hosts and historic preservation districts presenting differing views. Concerns were raised about property rights, neighborhood character, and the need for fair regulation. The Oklahoma City Hotel Association also spoke, advocating for a level playing field with hotels regarding regulations and consumer safety. Additionally, citizens expressed gratitude for the council's action on a billboard issue.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Short-term rental (Airbnb) ordinance amendments (9i1, 9i2, 9j1, 9j2) deferred to October 23rd.
- Streetcar fare evasion fine ordinance (9m) deferred for further discussion.
- Scooter sharing ordinance (9k) scheduled for October 9th.
Watch For
- Further discussions and potential new ordinance for short-term rental regulations.
- New city manager hiring process and applicant pool.
- Administrative alignment for marijuana paraphernalia fine and streetcar fare evasion fine.
Announcements
- Pastor John Benefiel delivered the invocation.
- Mayor Holt made proclamations for Open Streets OKC Day, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Disability Awareness Month.
- Dwight Kunkel was recognized as Teacher of the Month for September 2018.
- City Manager James D. Couch announced his retirement effective January 2nd, 2019.
- Patricia Woodward from the U.S. Census Bureau presented on the 2020 census and the importance of a complete count.
- Nancy Anthony and Brian Doherty presented on the Oklahoma City Community Foundation's plans for the Oklahoma River and the naming of the River Trail.
Agenda Summary
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Opening of the meeting with prayer and pledge.
Proclamation: Open Streets OKC Day
Proclaiming October 7th as Open Streets OKC Day.
Proclamation: Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Proclaiming October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Proclamation: Disability Awareness Month
Proclaiming October as Disability Awareness Month and October 25th as Special Disability Awareness Day.
Resolution: Recognizing Dwight Kunkel as Teacher of the Month
Recognizing Dwight Kunkel for his selection as September 2018 Teacher of the Month.
Notification of Mark K. Stone Cipher as Vice Mayor
Notification of the appointment of Mark K. Stone Cipher as Vice Mayor.
Appointments to Boards and Commissions
Appointments of JD Baker to Lake Atoka, Regina Banks to Mary Gardens Foundation, and Matt Hinkle and Asa Highsmith to the Planning Commission.
Resolution: Accepting Retirement of James D. Couch
Accepting the letter of retirement of City Manager James D. Couch, effective January 2nd, 2019.
Discussion: City Manager Hiring Process
Discussion regarding the process for hiring a new city manager.
Journal of Council Proceedings A and B
Approval of council meeting minutes.
Requests for Uncontested Continuances
Approval of requests for continuances on certain agenda items.
Revocable Permit: Arc Pyrotechnics
Permit for 2018 Dell Family Day fireworks display on October 23rd.
Revocable Permit: Red Coyote Running and Fitness
Permit for Red Coyote Run toberfest 5K on October 21st.
Revocable Permit: Saint Francis of Assisi Church
Permit for Rosary in Saint Francis Oktoberfest on October 7th.
Revocable Permit: Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
Permit for Race for the Cure on October 20th.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority Items
Approval of items A, B, C, D, and E for the Municipal Facilities Authority.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority Items
Approval of items A, B, C, and D for the Public Property Authority.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust Items
Approval of claims and payroll for the Environmental Assistance Trust.
Consent Docket
Approval of various routine items on the consent docket.
Concurrence Docket
Approval of items A through N from various trusts.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 6101 North May Avenue
Rezoning from C3 to R4.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 240-244 West Britton Road
Rezoning from R1 to I1.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 3427 Northwest 50th
Rezoning from R1 to O1.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 2509 South Tulsa Avenue
Rezoning from R1 to PUD 1690.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 4100 North Stair Road
Rezoning from R1 to PUD 1691.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 6932 West Memorial Road
Rezoning from PUD 47 to Spud 1069.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 1100 Southwest 59th
Rezoning from C3 to Spud 1071 for a bus terminal.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 118 Southwest 43rd
Rezoning from R1 to Spud 1072.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 1500 Southwestern
Rezoning from AA to Spud 1073 for a convenience store with gasoline sales.
Amendment to Master Design Statement (1321 Southeast 66th)
Amendment related to PUD 1685.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 1321 Southeast 66th
Rezoning from I2 to PUD 1685.
Amendment to Master Design Statement (5800 Southwest 149th)
Amendment related to PUD 1692, including conditions for no Jake brakes and right-turn-only signage.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 5800 Southwest 149th
Rezoning from AA to PUD 1692 for mining operations, as amended.
Amendment to Master Design Statement (14900 Southeast 104th)
Amendment to limit access to one drive on Southeast 140th.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 14900 Southeast 104th
Rezoning from C4 and AA to Spud 1075.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: 9240 Southwest 89th
Rezoning from AA to PUD 1689 for half-acre lot development.
Special Permit: Telecommunication Tower (4000 South Agnew)
Special permit to erect a telecommunication tower in an R1 area.
Special Permit: Telecommunication Tower (520 South MacArthur)
Special permit to erect a telecommunication tower in an I2 moderate industrial district.
Special Permit: Automobile Dealership (1800 West Memorial Road)
Special permit to operate an automobile dealership (Carvana vending machine) in a C3 area.
Public Hearing: Business Improvement District Assessment Role
Public hearing for the Downtown Oklahoma City Business Improvement District assessment role.
Resolution: Adopting Business Improvement District Assessment Role
Adopting and confirming an assessment role for the Downtown Oklahoma City Business Improvement District.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: Downtown Improvement District Assessment Role
Adopting and ratifying the assessment role for Improvement and Special Services Assessment District No. 6 (Downtown Improvement District).
Short-Term Rental Ordinance Amendments (9i1, 9i2, 9j1, 9j2)
Proposed amendments to the short-term rental (Airbnb) ordinance.
Scooter Sharing Ordinance (9k)
Ordinance related to scooter sharing services.
Amendment to Marijuana Ordinance (9l1)
Amendment to the marijuana ordinance.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: Marijuana Ordinance (9l2)
Ordinance amending the marijuana ordinance, including a $50 maximum fine for paraphernalia.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: Streetcar Fare Evasion (9m)
Ordinance regarding fines for failure to pay streetcar fare.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: Streetcar Movement Interference (9n)
Ordinance prohibiting turning in front of streetcars and interfering with their movement.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: Streetcar Noise (9o)
Ordinance related to streetcar noise.
Traffic Commission Item: Metered Parking Removal (9p1)
Removing metered parking on the south side of East Sheridan.
Traffic Commission Item: Disabled Parking Removal (9p2)
Removing reserved parking space for the physically disabled on the west side of South Mickey Mantle.
Traffic Commission Item: Disabled Parking Establishment (9p3)
Establishing a reserved parking space for the physically disabled on the west side of South Mickey Mantle.
Traffic Commission Item: Carriage Stand Removal (9p4)
Removing the open carriage stand on the east side of South Mickey Mantle Drive.
Traffic Commission Item: Carriage Stand Establishment (9p5)
Establishing an open carriage stand on the east side of South Mickey Mantle.
Public Hearing: Lincoln Boulevard Corridor Sub-district Modifications (9q)
Public hearing on modifications to the Lincoln Boulevard Corridor sub-district.
Ordinance to be Introduced: Adult Novelty Shops (9r1)
Ordinance to amend regulations for adult novelty shops.
Public Hearing: Dilapidated Structures (9s1)
Public hearing regarding dilapidated structures.
Resolution: Declaring Structures Dilapidated (9s2)
Declaring structures as dilapidated.
Public Hearing: Unsecured Structures (9t1)
Public hearing regarding unsecured structures.
Resolution: Declaring Structures Unsecured (9t2)
Declaring structures as unsecured.
Public Hearing: Abandoned Buildings (9u1)
Public hearing regarding abandoned buildings.
Resolution: Declaring Buildings Abandoned (9u2)
Declaring buildings as abandoned.
Public Hearing: Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Amendment (9v1)
Public hearing on an amendment to the fiscal year 2019 budget.
Resolution: Adopting Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Amendment (9v2)
Adopting an amendment to the fiscal year 2019 budget.
Public Hearing: Public Safety Tax Resolution Amendment (9w1)
Public hearing on amending the city council resolution regarding the public safety tax.
Resolution: Amending Public Safety Tax Resolution (9w2)
Resolution to be introduced and set for final hearing on October 9th, amending the city council resolution regarding the public safety tax.
Resolution: Oklahoma River Master Plan (9x)
Approving master plan for landscape and hardscape improvements to the north side of the Oklahoma River.
Resolution: Oklahoma River Trail Naming (9y)
Approving a request from the Oklahoma City Community Foundation to name a section of the North Oklahoma River Trail.
Resolution: Community and Neighborhood Enhancement Program Update (9z)
Adopting the September 2018 update to the Community and Neighborhood Enhancement Program project implementation plan and approving allocation of sales tax funds.
Joint Resolution: Workers Compensation Claim (9aa1)
Authorizing the municipal counselor to settle a workers' compensation subrogation claim.
Executive Session: Collective Bargaining (9ab)
To discuss collective bargaining negotiations with AFSCME, FOP, and IAFF.
Claims Recommended for Denial (9ac1)
Approval of claims recommended for denial.
Claims Recommended for Approval (10a1)
Approval of claims recommended for approval.
Resolution: City Manager Staff Briefings Rules (11a)
Establishing summary rules for city managers' staff briefings of small groups and a two-public meeting requirement for economic development items.
Resolution: Real Estate Sale Meeting Schedule (11b)
Establishing a three-public meeting schedule for the sale of real estate.
City Manager Reports
Sales tax report and information about claims and payroll.
Citizen Comments
Public comments from Jim Snotty and Joanna Smith regarding the Lamar billboard on Hefner Parkway.