Meeting Summary
The City Council meeting covered a range of topics including community events, recognition of outstanding individuals, and significant financial and zoning decisions. Key discussions involved the funding plan for the Omni Hotel, a resolution supporting the revitalization of Route 66, and a debate over an ordinance related to adult novelty stores. The meeting also featured detailed presentations on public safety and neighborhood revitalization efforts.
Key Decisions & Votes
Appointment to Lake Atoka Association
01:00:00Steve Hill was appointed to the Lake Atoka Association.
Revocable Permit for Visible Emissions and Certification Training
01:05:00A revocable permit was granted to Eastern Technical Associates for visible emissions and certification training.
Revocable Permit for OKC River Trail Relay
01:06:00A revocable permit was granted to OKC CX Limited to hold the 2018 OKC River Trail Relay on May 20th.
Revocable Permit for St. Patrick's Day Parade
01:08:00A revocable permit was granted to Energy FC to hold the city's St. Patrick's Day parade.
Revocable Permit for OKC Dodgers Community Run
01:09:00A revocable permit was granted to the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation to hold the OKC Dodgers Community Run.
Revocable Permit for Open Streets OKC
01:10:00A revocable permit was granted for the Open Streets OKC event on April 8th.
Revocable Permit for Go-Girl Run 5K and Half Marathon
01:11:00A revocable permit was granted to Ultramax Sports to hold the Go-Girl Run 5K and Half Marathon.
Zoning Case 1201 West Reno Avenue (ABC Issue)
01:20:00The zoning application for an ABC license at 1201 West Reno Avenue for an axe-throwing establishment was approved for beer and wine sales.
Zoning Case 10220 South Sunny Lane Road
01:25:00The zoning case to change from AA agriculture to I-1 light industrial district at 10220 South Sunny Lane Road was approved.
Zoning Case 2645 Southwest 25th Street
01:26:00The zoning case to change from R-1 single-family residential to O-1 limited office district at 2645 Southwest 25th Street was approved.
Zoning Case 11900 North Coltrane Avenue
01:27:00A new PUD was approved for 11900 North Coltrane Avenue for duplex residential development.
Zoning Case 12431 Northwest 4th Street
01:28:00A new PUD was approved for 12431 Northwest 4th Street, expanding the existing PUD to the east.
Zoning Case 3130 North Barnes Avenue
01:30:00A SPUD was approved for 3130 North Barnes Avenue, changing from R-1 single-family to allow for three houses on one lot.
Zoning Case 10709 North Rockwell Avenue
01:31:00A new SPUD was approved for 10709 North Rockwell Avenue, adding retail sales to the existing SPUD.
Zoning Case 11521 Southwestern Avenue
01:32:00A new SPUD was approved for 11521 Southwestern Avenue to expand a commercial facility.
Special Permit for Surrey Hills Golf Course Expansion
01:33:00A special permit was approved for the expansion of Surrey Hills Golf Course by nine holes.
Special Permit for Middle School Use in AA Agricultural District
01:34:00A special permit was approved for the construction of a middle school south of Southwest 44th Street in an AA agricultural district, with plans for improved traffic flow.
Closure of Drainage Easement at 9008 Scarlett Boulevard
01:39:00The closure of a drainage easement at 9008 Scarlett Boulevard was approved.
Closure of Easement off Grand Boulevard
01:39:00The closure of an easement off Grand Boulevard was approved.
Ordinance for Omni Hotel Funding Plan
01:42:00An ordinance implementing the funding plan for the Omni Hotel, previously adopted by the council, was approved.
Assessment District for Northwest 178th Street
01:45:00An ordinance to introduce and set for final hearing on March 27th an assessment district for a water main in the Clifford Farms subdivision at Northwest 178th Street was approved.
Sale of GO Bonds (9G, 9H, 9I, 9J)
01:50:00Four items related to the sale of $123.7 million in GO bonds, combining funds from the 2007 and 2017 bond votes, were approved individually.
Ordinance Repealing Adult Novelty Store Restrictions
02:05:00A motion to repeal an ordinance restricting adult novelty stores based on proximity to residential areas was denied.
Upcoming Community Events
Open Streets OKC
Noon to 4:00 p.m. on Northwest 23rd Street from Northwestern Avenue to North Robinson Avenue, North Walker Avenue from Northwest 23rd Street to Northwest 28th Street, and Paseo from Northwest 28th Street to Northwest 30th Street. Free, 70+ activities, 30 food trucks with healthy options. Parking at Oklahoma City University, Wilson Elementary, Cleveland Elementary, and First Presbyterian Church.
OKC River Trail Relay
Multi-sport event on the river including cycling, running, and kayaking. Proceeds benefit river trail maintenance. Working with the boathouse for kayaking.
St. Patrick's Day Parade
Downtown Oklahoma City, hosted by Energy FC. Kicks off the 2018 AUSL season for OKC Energy FC against the Tulsa Roughnecks. Family-friendly, wear green.
OKC Dodgers Community Run
5K, 1K, and fun run. Unique finish on the baseball field near home plate. Leads into a fan fest for the upcoming season. Opening day is April 10th against the Round Rock Express.
Go-Girl Run Women's Half Marathon and 5K
Third year in Bricktown, women's only event focusing on wellness and sisterhood. Expecting about 2,000 participants from over ten states.
Financial Matters
TIF Allocation for Oklahoma City Public Schools
Allocation from TIF-2 for facilities master plan work and upgrades at the operations center, including security fence replacement, interior roadway paving, and IT server room relocation. This allocation exhausts the total $21 million budget for the public school allocation from TIF-2.
TIF Request for Central Exchange Project
TIF request for the Central Exchange project, involving the revitalization of two historic buildings at 7 and 11 Northeast 6th Street for mixed-use retail and office space. The total project cost is $11.2 million. The TIF funds will primarily go towards improving the 6th Street sidewalk and pedestrian area.
GO Bond Issue
Issuance of general obligation bonds, combining funds from the 2007 and 2017 bond votes. Approximately $49 million from 2007 and $74 million from 2017. Split into tax-exempt ($82.7 million) and taxable ($40.9 million) bonds. Taxable bonds are for projects related to tourism and economic development like the softball Hall of Fame, Bricktown ballpark, and Chesapeake Energy Arena. Estimated interest rates are 3.1-3.3% for tax-exempt and 3.6-3.8% for taxable bonds.
Downpayment Assistance Program
Assisted 37 families in buying new homes, leveraging $3.5 million in private mortgages.
HOME Program
Built two CHODO and HOME funded projects with a total sales value of $250,000. 14 other homes are underway.
Housing Rehab Programs
Funded 78 housing rehabs, including 9 storm shelters and safe rooms.
Emergency Home Repair Program
Provided assistance for immediate repairs to approximately 80 homes.
HUD CDBG and HOME Funds
Allocated to neighborhoods for revitalization strategies.
Public Comments
One citizen expressed strong opposition to the Omni Hotel funding plan, arguing it misallocates taxpayer money that could be used for schools and communities, and highlighted perceived discrimination against the northeast side of Oklahoma City in receiving development funds. He also raised concerns about gentrification. Another citizen, representing an adult novelty store, spoke against the ordinance restricting their business, emphasizing their educational role and efforts to be a good neighbor, and questioned the vagueness and discriminatory enforcement of the ordinance.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Item 7Y on page 9 (error, needs to be brought back)
- Item 9K1C 9628 Southeast 29th Street (owner removed)
- Item D 921 Northeast 31st Street (owner removed)
- Item 9L1G 2233 Northeast 21st Street (now occupied)
- Item H 521 Northwest 27th Street (owner secured)
- Item I 721 Southwest 31st Street (now occupied)
- Item 9M1 Item H 521 Northwest 27th Street (owner secured)
- Item I 73721 Southwest 31st Street (now occupied)
Deadlines
- March 27th: Final hearing for assessment district for Northwest 178th Street (Clifford Farms subdivision)
- May 10th: Closing date for GO bond sales
Watch For
- Discussion on a rule for zoning changes to revert if development doesn't occur within a set timeframe
- Bike Walk OKC plan presentation to the sales tax committee
- Code update process by the Planning Department to review development-related codes and subdivision regulations
- Home share/Airbnb ordinance to be presented to council (anticipated June)
Announcements
- Philip Wynn, a music teacher in the Moore School District, was recognized as Teacher of the Month for March 2018 by Moore Public Schools and the Rotary Club of Oklahoma City.
- John Cisco, Unit Operation Supervisor at the Civic Center Music Hall, was recognized as Employee of the Month for March 2018 by the South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club. He was also recognized for his participation in the Reading Buddies program and as a volunteer Taekwondo teacher.
- The city's GO bonds received a Triple-A rating affirmed by both Moody's and Standard & Poor's.
- A traffic signal will be installed at Southwest 44th and Mustang Road by late spring or early summer, before the next school year.
- The Oklahoma City Fire Department has implemented a dedicated phone line (306-BEEP) and online request system for free smoke alarm installations, available in English and Spanish.
- The Animal Welfare division has achieved a 75% live release rate for animals, with a goal to reach 80% by 2021. They also offer a free spay/neuter program and have implemented a menacing dog ordinance requiring chipping of every animal.
Agenda Summary
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Opening of the meeting with an invocation by Dr. Owen Neese and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilman Stone.
Proclamation for Open Streets OKC Day
Proclamation declaring April 8, 2018, as Open Streets OKC Day in Oklahoma City.
Recognition of Philip Wynn as Teacher of the Month
Recognition of Philip Wynn for his dedication to music education.
Recognition of John Cisco as Employee of the Month
Recognition of John Cisco for his leadership and dedication at the Civic Center Music Hall.
Appointment of Steve Hill to Lake Atoka Association
Motion to appoint Steve Hill to the Lake Atoka Association.
Executive Session Items D, E, F
Motion to move items D, E, and F into executive session.
Journal of Accounts Proceedings
Receive the journal for February 27th and approve the journal for February 13th.
Request for Uncontested Continuances
Requests to strike several items from the agenda due to errors, owner actions, or properties being occupied.
Revocable Permit with Eastern Technical Associates
Request for a revocable permit for visible emissions and certification training.
Revocable Permit with OKC CX Limited
Request for a revocable permit to hold the 2018 OKC River Trail Relay.
Revocable Permit with Energy FC
Request for a revocable permit to hold the city's St. Patrick's Day parade.
Revocable Permit with OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation
Request for a revocable permit to hold the OKC Dodgers Community Run.
Revocable Permit for Open Streets OKC
Request for a revocable permit to hold the Open Streets OKC event.
Revocable Permit with Ultramax Sports
Request for a revocable permit to hold the Go-Girl Run 5K and Half Marathon.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (MFA)
Recess council meeting to convene as the MFA to address three items.
City Public Property Authority (PPA)
Adjourn MFA and convene as the PPA to address three items.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (OCEAT)
Adjourn PPA and convene as the OCEAT to address three items.
Consent Docket
Discussion and vote on items from the consent docket, with some items pulled for individual consideration.
Concurrence Docket
Vote on items from the concurrence docket.
Zoning Case 9A1 (ABC Issue)
Zoning case in Ward 6 at 1201 West Reno Avenue concerning an ABC license.
Zoning Case 9A2
Zoning case in Ward 4 at 10220 South Sunny Lane Road to change from AA agriculture to I-1 light industrial.
Zoning Case 9A3
Zoning case in Ward 6 at 2645 Southwest 25th Street to change from R-1 single-family residential to O-1 limited office.
Zoning Case 9A4
Zoning case in Ward 7 at 11900 North Coltrane Avenue for a new PUD for duplex residential development.
Zoning Case 9A5
Zoning case in Ward 3 at 12431 Northwest 4th Street for a new PUD.
Zoning Case 9A6
Zoning case in Ward 2 at 3130 North Barnes Avenue to change from R-1 single-family to a SPUD.
Zoning Case 9A7
Zoning case in Ward 1 at 10709 North Rockwell Avenue for a new SPUD.
Zoning Case 9A8
Zoning case in Ward 5 at 11521 Southwestern Avenue for a new SPUD.
Special Permit 9B1
Request for a special permit in Ward 1 related to the Surrey Hills Golf Course expansion.
Special Permit 9B2
Request for a special permit in Ward 3 for a middle school use in a double-A agricultural district.
Closure of Drainage Easement 9C1
Request for closure of a drainage easement in Ward 1 at 9008 Scarlett Boulevard.
Closure of Easement 9C2
Request for closure of an easement off Grand Boulevard.
Public Hearing on Omni Hotel Funding Plan 9D
Public hearing to implement the funding plan for the Omni Hotel.
Companion Item to Omni Hotel Funding Plan 6E
Companion item related to the Omni Hotel funding plan.
Assessment District 9F
Ordinance to introduce and set for final hearing an assessment district for Northwest 178th Street.
Sale of GO Bonds 9G, 9H, 9I, 9J
Items related to the sale of $123.7 million in GO bonds.
Public Hearing on Dilapidated Structures 9K
Public hearing regarding dilapidated structures, including 224 Southeast 20th Street.
Public Hearing on Unsecured Structures 9L
Public hearing regarding unsecured structures, including properties on Eagle Lane, East Euclid Street, Hood Avenue, and Northeast 19th Street.
Public Hearing on Abandoned Buildings 9M
Public hearing regarding abandoned buildings.
Item 9N
Motion to approve item 9N.
Item 9O
Motion to approve item 9O.
Item 9P
Motion to move item 9P into executive session.
Item 9Q
Motion to move item 9Q into executive session.
Claims Recommended for Denial 9R
Claims recommended for denial.
Claims Recommended for Approval 10A
Claims recommended for approval.
Ordinance Repealing Adult Novelty Store Restrictions 11
Discussion and vote on repealing an ordinance related to adult novelty stores.
Council Priority Briefing: Promote Safe, Secure, and Thriving Neighborhoods
Presentation by various department directors on their efforts related to the council priority of promoting safe, secure, and thriving neighborhoods, including EMSA response times, crime rates, police response times, fire department response times, fire fatalities, smoke alarm installations, and planning department initiatives for neighborhood revitalization.
Citizens to be Heard
Opportunity for citizens to address the council on any topic.