Meeting Summary
The city council meeting covered a range of topics including an annual report from the medical control board, approval of various permits for community events, and several zoning cases. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to public hearings on proposed changes to the community cat ordinance, general obligation bonds, and sales tax extensions, with extensive public comment on education funding.
Key Decisions & Votes
Medical Control Board Annual Report
00:09:00The annual report from the Medical Control Board was presented and approved. The report highlighted efforts to limit costs while maintaining high-quality emergency medical care, and improvements in EMS efficiency resulting in over 20,000 hours of ambulance readiness capability at no additional cost.
Journal of Council Proceedings
00:15:00The journal of council proceedings for May 30th, June 6th, May 9th, 16th, and 23rd was received and approved.
Run for Recognition Permit
00:17:00A revocable permit was approved for MTM Recognition to hold the 6th annual Run for Recognition, a 5K and 1-mile fun run benefiting Special Olympics, to be held downtown.
OKC Pride Weekend Permit
00:20:00A revocable permit was approved for OKC Pride to hold the OKC Pride Weekend, including a block party and parade on 39th Street.
Miles for Smiles Event Permit
00:25:00A revocable permit was approved for Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children to hold their 17th annual Miles for Smiles bike ride in Wards 4 and 5.
Masquerade 5K Permit
00:26:00A revocable permit was approved for Oklahoma Lawyers for Children to hold their second annual Masquerade 5K benefiting youth community work, to be held in Ward 2.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA) Items
00:27:00All items under the OCMFA agenda were approved unanimously.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPPA) Items
00:28:00All seven items under the OCPPA agenda were approved unanimously.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (OCEAT) Items
00:29:00All four items under the OCEAT agenda were approved unanimously.
Consent Docket
00:30:00The consent docket, including a $1.2 million contract for repaving Northwest 10th Street, was approved unanimously.
Concurrent Docket
00:31:00The concurrent docket was approved unanimously.
Zoning Case: 1401 NE 8th Street
00:32:00A zoning change from C3 Community Commercial to R2 Medium Low Residential District was approved for 1401 Northeast 8th Street in Ward 7.
Zoning Case: 8937 South May
00:32:00A zoning change from C3 Community Commercial and CUP 44 to a new SPUD was approved for 8937 South May.
Zoning Case: 711 North Douglas Avenue
00:33:00A zoning change from C1 Neighborhood Commercial to a new SPUD for a 4-unit quadplex was approved for 711 North Douglas Avenue in Ward 6.
Zoning Case: 6728 South Hudson Avenue
00:35:00A zoning change from R1 Single Family Residential to a new SPUD was approved for 6728 South Hudson Avenue in Ward 4, related to the Southern Oaks Wellness project.
Zoning Case: 1301 Northwestern Avenue
00:35:00A zoning change to a new SPUD was approved for 1301 Northwestern Avenue in Ward 6, for a mixed-use development including retail and potential residential.
Zoning Case: 10300 South Sunnylane Road
00:39:00A zoning change from AA Agriculture to a new SPUD was approved for 10300 South Sunnylane Road in Ward 4, to allow for a mixed beverage license for an existing establishment.
Closing of South Midwest Boulevard
00:40:00The closing of South Midwest Boulevard in Ward 4 was approved.
Community Cat Ordinance Amendment Introduction
00:50:00An ordinance to amend the community cat program, eliminating the requirement to seek permission from the person who brings a cat to the shelter before returning it, was introduced. A public hearing is scheduled for next week.
Public Hearing: Dilapidated Structures
00:50:00Items related to dilapidated structures were approved following a public hearing.
Public Hearing: Unsecured Structures
00:50:00Items related to unsecured structures were approved following a public hearing.
Public Hearing: Abandoned Buildings
00:51:00Items related to abandoned buildings were approved following a public hearing.
Public Hearing: Removal from Abandoned Building List
00:51:00Items related to removal of property from the abandoned building list were approved following a public hearing.
Public Hearing: Fire Sales Tax Appropriation
00:52:00The annual appropriation for the fire sales tax expense was approved following a public hearing.
Public Hearing: Police Sales Tax Appropriation
00:52:00The annual appropriation for the police sales tax expense was approved following a public hearing.
2018 Annual Budget Adoption
00:53:00The 2018 annual budget, totaling $1.377 billion with a general fund of $444.5 million, was adopted unanimously.
Appointment of Municipal Judges
01:30:00Philippa James and Edward D. Hasbrook were appointed as municipal judges for two-year terms. Philippa C. James was also designated as presiding judge and M. Fred Austin as vice presiding judge for one-year terms.
Compensation and Benefits for Municipal Judge
01:31:00The resolution establishing compensation and benefits for the municipal judge position was approved.
Reimbursement for Councilman John Pettis
01:31:00Reimbursement for Councilman John Pettis's attendance at the National League of Cities and National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials was approved.
Animal Control Ordinance Amendment Introduction
01:32:00An ordinance to amend Chapter 8 of the city code regarding animal control, focusing on registration of at-large/unconfined dogs, menacing/dangerous dogs, and property owner responsibility, was introduced. A public hearing is scheduled for next week.
Upcoming Community Events
Run for Recognition
Downtown Oklahoma City, 5K and 1-mile Fun Run, benefits Special Olympics.
OKC Pride Weekend
Block party on Friday, parade on Sunday down 39th Street, includes food trucks, festival, and family zone.
Miles for Smiles
Bike ride in Wards 4 and 5, organized by Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children, with 400-500 participants.
Masquerade 5K
Ward 2, benefiting Oklahoma Lawyers for Children, 5K and 1-mile fun run starting at 8:00 AM.
Financial Matters
Medical Control Board Budget
Slight increase from last year, but less than fiscal year 15-16, focused on minimizing costs without sacrificing care quality.
Northwest 10th Street Repaving
Contract awarded to Atlas Paving Company for repaving from Council to Morgan Road, part of a 2007 Bond project, with construction from July 2017 to February 2018.
2018 Annual Budget
Overall budget, with a general fund of $444.5 million. Sales tax is the largest revenue source. Personal services are the largest expenditure in the general fund (73.4%). Public Safety accounts for 64.6% of the general fund.
General Obligation Bond Issue
Proposed bond issue to fund infrastructure needs, including streets, sidewalks, bike lanes, traffic control, bridges, parks, drainage, community development, and police/fire facilities. Funded by property taxes over 20 years.
Sales Tax Extension (Permanent Quarter Cent)
Proposed permanent extension of a quarter-cent sales tax to the city's general fund, primarily for public safety and operations.
Sales Tax Extension (Temporary Three-Quarter Cent)
Proposed temporary three-quarter cent sales tax to replace MAPS 3, for capital improvements like street resurfacing, streetscapes, trails, bicycle infrastructure, and sidewalks.
Animal Registration Fee
Proposed annual and initial registration fee for dogs under the amended animal control ordinance.
Public Comments
Public comments were extensive, particularly regarding the proposed sales tax extensions and general obligation bonds. Several citizens expressed concerns about drainage issues in their neighborhoods and the allocation of bond funds. A significant number of educators and community members passionately advocated for a portion of the sales tax to be dedicated to education funding, citing the state's failure to adequately fund schools and the impact on teacher retention and student outcomes. The Chamber of Commerce representatives supported the bond proposition and sales tax for infrastructure, especially roads, but also suggested increasing the temporary tax to a full penny to address more street needs and public safety. Concerns were also raised about the Fraternal Order of Police's influence and the need for community-led initiatives for youth.
Coming Up
Tabled
- RFP for the old jail facility (7s) - to be brought back in an upcoming meeting due to incorrect draft.
Watch For
- Public hearing and final vote on the community cat ordinance amendments (next week and July 5th)
- Public hearing and final vote on the general obligation bond issue and sales tax extensions (next week)
- Public hearing and final vote on the animal control ordinance amendments (next week and July 5th)
Announcements
- Stephanie Smith, Production Specialist in the Public Information Office's Print Shop, was recognized as the June 2017 South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club Employee of the Month for her five years of service and professionalism.
- Councilman Stone Cipher's proposed amendments to Exhibit A of resolution 9W (sales tax intent) were distributed for consideration, aiming to clearly prioritize police and fire funding.
Agenda Summary
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Led by Dr. Melis Fields and Councilman Stone Cipher.
Employee of the Month Recognition
Stephanie Smith recognized for her dedication and professionalism.
Medical Control Board Annual Report (9j)
Presentation and review of the annual budget and operations of the Medical Control Board.
Journal of Council Proceedings (4a, 4b)
Receive journal for May 30th and June 6th, and approve journal for May 9th, 16th, and 23rd.
Request for Uncontested Continuances (5)
Item 7s (RFP for old jail facility) was struck due to an incorrect draft.
Revocable Permit: Run for Recognition (6a)
Request from MTM Recognition to hold a 5K and 1-mile fun run for Special Olympics.
Revocable Permit: OKC Pride Weekend (6b)
Request from OKC Pride to hold their annual block party and parade.
Revocable Permit: Miles for Smiles (6c)
Request from Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children to hold their annual bike ride.
Revocable Permit: Masquerade 5K (6d)
Request from Oklahoma Lawyers for Children to hold their annual 5K event.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA) Items
Various items under the OCMFA agenda.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPPA) Items
Seven items under the OCPPA agenda.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (OCEAT) Items
Four items under the OCEAT agenda.
Consent Docket
Various items including a contract for repaving Northwest 10th Street.
Concurrent Docket
Various items for concurrent approval.
Zoning Case: 1401 NE 8th Street (9a1)
Change from C3 Community Commercial to R2 Medium Low Residential District.
Zoning Case: 8937 South May (9a2)
Change from C3 Community Commercial and CUP 44 to a new SPUD.
Zoning Case: 711 North Douglas Avenue (9a3)
Change from C1 Neighborhood Commercial to a new SPUD for a 4-unit quadplex.
Zoning Case: 6728 South Hudson Avenue (9a4)
Change from R1 Single Family Residential to a new SPUD for the Southern Oaks Wellness project.
Zoning Case: 1301 Northwestern Avenue (9a5)
Change from existing SPUD and other designations to a new SPUD for a mixed-use development.
Zoning Case: 10300 South Sunnylane Road (9a6)
Change from AA Agriculture to a new SPUD to allow for a mixed beverage license.
Closing of South Midwest Boulevard (9b)
Ordinance for the closing of South Midwest Boulevard.
Ordinance Amending Community Cat Program (9c)
Introduction of an ordinance to eliminate the requirement for permission to return cats to their place of origin.
Public Hearing: Dilapidated Structures (9d)
Public hearing regarding various dilapidated structures.
Public Hearing: Unsecured Structures (9e)
Public hearing regarding various unsecured structures.
Public Hearing: Abandoned Buildings (9f)
Public hearing regarding various abandoned buildings.
Public Hearing: Removal from Abandoned Building List (9g)
Public hearing regarding removal of properties from the abandoned building list.
Public Hearing: Fire Sales Tax Appropriation (9h)
Public hearing regarding the annual appropriation for the fire sales tax expense.
Public Hearing: Police Sales Tax Appropriation (9i)
Public hearing regarding the annual appropriation for the police sales tax expense.
Public Hearing: 2018 Annual Budget (9k)
Public hearing regarding the adoption of the 2018 annual budget.
Public Hearing: General Obligation Bond Issue (9l)
Public hearing regarding the resolution to call for an election on the general obligation bond issue.
Public Hearing: Sales Tax Extension (9m)
Public hearing regarding the resolution to call for an election on extending the MAPS sales tax and a permanent quarter-cent sales tax.
Claims Recommended for Denial (9z)
Claims recommended for denial.
Claims Recommended for Approval (10a)
Claims recommended for approval.
Resolution Appointing Philippa James as Municipal Judge (11a)
Appointment for a two-year term starting July 1st.
Resolution Appointing Edward D. Hasbrook as Municipal Judge (11b)
Appointment for a two-year term starting July 1st.
Resolution Designating Philippa C. James as Presiding Judge (11c)
Designation for a one-year period.
Resolution Designating M. Fred Austin as Vice Presiding Judge (11d)
Designation for a one-year period.
Resolution Establishing Compensation and Benefits for Municipal Judge (11e)
Establishment of compensation and benefits for the position.
Resolution Reimbursing Councilman John Pettis (11f)
Reimbursement for attendance at National League of Cities and National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials.
Ordinance Amending Animal Control Regulations (11g)
Introduction of an ordinance to amend Chapter 8 regarding dog registration, menacing/dangerous dogs, and property owner responsibility.