Meeting Summary
The Finance Committee convened to review the proposed FY 2018 budgets for the Utilities, Parks and Recreation, and Airports Departments. Discussions covered significant infrastructure projects, water conservation strategies, park accessibility, and air service development. Public comments highlighted concerns regarding code enforcement on blighted properties and the equitable distribution of city resources.
Upcoming Community Events
World Series Softball Hall of Fame
Civic Center staff providing customer service.
The Lion King performances
Performances ended this past weekend at the Civic Center.
Hamilton performances
A two-week show at the Civic Center.
Financial Matters
Utilities Department Operating Budget
Proposed operating budget for FY 2018, a 2.9% increase over last year, includes 13 additional positions.
Grease and Root Control Program
Additional funding to increase abatement efforts to reduce sewer blockages.
Solid Waste Fleet Conversion to Natural Gas
Anticipated savings from converting over half of the solid waste fleet to natural gas.
Second Atoka Pipeline
Anticipated cost for the first leg of the pipeline, planned for completion by 2023, with construction starting in FY 2019.
Atoka Spillway Enhancement
Cost to renovate the spillway to handle higher flows, expected completion by spring 2019.
Draper Water Main Replacement
Budgeted cost for replacing the entire pipeline, with potential to cut in half after a condition assessment.
Neighborhood Water and Sewer Mains
Doubled commitment for replacing aged neighborhood water and sewer mains.
Parks and Recreation Proposed Operating Budget
Proposed operating budget for Parks and Recreation.
Parks and Recreation Capital Budget
Small capital budget for Parks and Recreation.
Parks and Recreation Non-Operating Budget
Includes royalties from oil and gas.
Martin Park Nature Center Renovation
Cost for building renovations at Martin Park.
Wilderness Matters Donation
Donation to create an elevated walkway and pause points at Martin Park, providing additional accessibility.
Will Rogers Facility Renovation
Approximately one million dollars spent on renovating the interior of the exhibition hall at Will Rogers Gardens.
Airport Trust Budget (FY18)
Total proposed budget for the Oklahoma City Airport Trust.
Airport Trust Operating Expenditures
Total operating expenditures for the Airport Trust.
Airport Trust Capital Outlay
Projected capital outlay for the Airport Trust.
Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center Improvements
Budgeted for electrical and mechanical improvements on the Mike Monroney campus for the next year.
Airports Department Cash Fund Budget Change
Total change in the department's operating account, including insurance benefits, salaries, and reorganization of positions.
Public Comments
Two citizens addressed the council. Tom Levicy expressed frustration over a long-standing issue with a blighted property in his neighborhood, citing numerous unresolved complaints to the Action Center and questioning the effectiveness of code enforcement. Michael Washington criticized the meeting format for not allowing presenters to hear public comments and raised concerns about the equitable distribution of city resources and investments, specifically mentioning the Douglas Center and its condition.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Real ID compliance for domestic air travel by January 22, 2018 (grace period until July 10th for state application).
Watch For
- Adoption of the FY 2018 budget at next week's council meeting.
- Hamilton performances at the Civic Center next year.
- Potential new major softball tournaments.
- 2017 General Obligation Bond for park improvements and golf clubhouses.
- Further discussions on the downtown park naming process.
- Legislation regarding the privatization of air traffic control.
Announcements
- Broadway extension opened a day early, thanks to Alan Contracting.
- Councilman Stone's birthday is this week.
- The Musgrave Pennington neighborhood meeting re-elected Ryan Lurch as president.
- The Wellness Center #1 in north Oklahoma City reached 2,500 members.
- Woodson Park swimming facility is open and free.
Agenda Summary
Utilities Department Proposed FY 2018 Budget Presentation
Presentation on core business initiatives, a 2.9% operating budget increase, 13 new positions, capital improvement highlights including the Atoka pipeline and water main replacements, and the upcoming single-stream recycling program.
Parks and Recreation and Cultural Services Proposed FY 2018 Budget Presentation
Review of departmental operations, increased programming and participation, capital projects like Martin Park and Will Rogers Gardens renovations, and community partnerships.
Airports Department Proposed FY 2018 Budget Presentation
Detailed presentation of the Airport Trust budget, capital projects such as the terminal expansion and airfield overhauls, and strategies for increasing revenue and air service.