Meeting Summary
The City Council meeting covered a wide range of topics, including proclamations for community events, approval of various permits, and significant discussions regarding the upcoming Geo Bond program and sales tax extensions. Key decisions included the approval of the MAPS 3 Park contract and the introduction of the Geo Bond and sales tax extension proposals, which will undergo further public hearings. A notable debate also occurred regarding a request for stop signs in a neighborhood, highlighting procedural issues and the need for broader traffic calming solutions.
Key Decisions & Votes
MAPS 3 Park Contract Award
00:46:00The contract for the MAPS 3 Park, including the base bid and several alternates, was awarded to Downey Contracting for a total of $57.5 million, with an additional $5.7 million to be drawn from the contingency account. This includes a significant fountain and pavilion.
Revocable Permit for Juneteenth Festival
00:16:00A permit was approved for Perry Publishing and Broadcasting to hold the Juneteenth Festival on June 17th in Washington Park.
Revocable Permit for Equality Run
00:17:00Freedom Oklahoma received approval to host the Equality Run on June 17th in downtown Oklahoma City, expecting 500 participants.
Revocable Permit for Creek Run
00:18:00The Quail Creek Homeowners Association was granted a permit to hold the Creek Run this weekend.
Revocable Permit for Red Earth Parade
00:19:00A permit was approved for the Red Earth Parade to take place on June 9th in downtown Oklahoma City.
Zoning Case for Outback Steakhouse
00:49:00A zoning case for a new Outback Steakhouse at 2402 West Memorial Road in Ward 8 was unanimously approved.
Zoning Case for Asian Restaurant
00:50:00A zoning case for an Asian restaurant at the corner of Southwest 89th and South Penn Avenue in Ward 5 was approved.
Zoning Case for Organic Pizza Place
00:51:00A zoning case for an organic pizza place at 2124 North Broadway in Ward 6 was approved.
Zoning Case for Mixed-Use Development
00:52:00A large mixed-use development project on 200+ acres at 1520 South Mustang Road in Ward 3, near the turnpike extension, was approved after working with the Turnpike Authority and neighbors.
Zoning Case Deferral
00:56:00A zoning case at 8937 South May Avenue in Ward 5 was deferred for two weeks to allow the councilman to speak with the applicant regarding property maintenance and appearance of trucks.
Zoning Case in Ward 7
00:57:00A zoning case at 283 Southeast 44th Street in Ward 7, changing from O2 general office and R1 single family residential to a new SPUD, was approved.
Zoning Case in Ward 4
00:58:00A zoning case at 7500 South Anderson Road in Ward 4, changing from RC rural commercial and AE2 airport environment to a new SPUD, was approved.
Closure of South Midwest Boulevard
00:58:00The item to close a section of South Midwest Boulevard was deferred for two weeks to June 13th.
Parking Regulations on North Walker
00:59:00New parking regulations, including metered spaces, were approved for the west side of North Walker in Ward 6 to increase turnover for retail.
Parking Regulations on South Hudson Avenue
01:00:00Regulations for 2-hour parking meters were approved for the South Hudson Avenue side of the downtown park in Ward 6.
Parking Regulations on South Robinson
01:00:00Regulations for 2-hour parking meters were approved for the west side of South Robinson from Southwest 3rd to Southwest 7th Street in Ward 6.
Fire Department Capital Needs Resolution
01:01:00A resolution governing the fire department's capital needs and the 3/4 cent sales tax, including 208 positions and a $44.4 million budget, was approved.
Police Department Capital Needs Resolution
01:02:00A resolution governing the police department's capital needs and the 3/4 cent sales tax, including 250 positions and a $44.1 million budget, was approved.
Geo Bond Program Introduction
01:02:00A resolution introducing the propositions and projects for the Geo Bonds and establishing a public hearing for June 13th was approved.
Strategic Investment Plan for Geo Bonds
01:29:00A resolution approving the Strategic Investment Plan, including a $10 million allocation for affordable housing, within the Geo Bond program was approved 5-2.
3/4 Cent Sales Tax Introduction
01:34:00A resolution to introduce and set a public hearing for June 13th on the 3/4 cent sales tax, with a sunset of April 1st, 2020, was approved.
Special Election Call for 3/4 Cent Sales Tax
01:35:00A resolution to set a public hearing for June 13th and push forward the idea of calling a special election on September 12th for the 3/4 cent sales tax was approved.
Proclamation for 3/4 Cent Sales Tax Election
01:36:00A resolution for the proclamation calling a public hearing on June 13th and a final hearing on June 20th, with the expectation of a special election on September 12th for the 3/4 cent sales tax, was approved.
Notification of 3/4 Cent Sales Tax Election
01:36:00A resolution notifying state agencies of the intent to call an election for the 3/4 cent sales tax was approved.
Spending Plan for 3/4 Cent Sales Tax
01:37:00A resolution outlining how the money from the 3/4 cent sales tax would be spent, with a public hearing on June 13th and final hearing on June 20th, was approved.
1/4 Cent Sales Tax Introduction
01:38:00A resolution to introduce and set a public hearing for June 13th on the 1/4 cent sales tax for general fund operations was approved.
Special Election Call for 1/4 Cent Sales Tax
01:38:00A resolution to authorize a special election proclamation for the 1/4 cent sales tax was approved.
Proclamation for 1/4 Cent Sales Tax Election
01:39:00A resolution for the proclamation calling a public hearing on June 13th and a final hearing on June 20th, with the expectation of a special election on September 12th for the 1/4 cent sales tax, was approved.
Notification of 1/4 Cent Sales Tax Election
01:40:00A resolution notifying state agencies of the intent to call an election for the 1/4 cent sales tax was approved.
Spending Plan for 1/4 Cent Sales Tax
01:40:00A resolution explaining how the money from the 1/4 cent sales tax would be spent, going into the general fund, was approved.
Zoo Friends Membership Policy Changes
01:59:00Changes to the Zoo Friends membership policy, including price adjustments, were approved.
Zoo Fee Adjustments
01:59:00Adjustments to the zoo's admission fees were approved.
Resolution Approval
02:00:00A resolution was approved without further discussion.
Claim for Sprinkler System Damage
02:10:00A claim for $985 for damage to a sprinkler system by city employees was approved for 50% payment, with the claimant signing a waiver.
Claims Recommended for Denial
02:10:00All other claims recommended for denial were approved for denial.
Claims Recommended for Approval
02:11:00All claims recommended for approval were approved.
Rescind Previous Motion on Outdoor Activities
02:14:00A previous motion limiting outdoor activities and concerts to three per year and ending by 11 PM was rescinded by a vote of 6-1, with the understanding that noise ordinances would be enforced.
Upcoming Community Events
Charlie Christian International Music Festival
Jam session on June 2nd at Artspace at Untitled Gallery North (1 Northeast Third Street) and final salute on June 3rd at MBCC Suite 741 North Phillips. Celebrates Charlie Christian's 100th birthday.
Historic Preservation Week
Commemorates the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act. The 29th annual Statewide Preservation Conference will be held from June 7th through 9th, primarily at the Civic Center Music Hall.
Juneteenth Festival
To be held in Washington Park from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Equality Run
Fifth annual run in downtown Oklahoma City, with proceeds benefiting LGBTQ Youth and HIV/AIDS. Expecting 500 participants. More information at FreedomOklahoma.org.
Creek Run
Hosted by the Quail Creek Homeowners Association.
Red Earth Parade
To be held in downtown Oklahoma City, featuring costumes, dancing, and food.
Financial Matters
MAPS 3 Park Contract
Awarded to Downey Contracting for the base bid and alternates, with an additional $5,755,461.50 from the contingency account.
One Oak Pipeline Tree Mitigation
Donation from One Oak for tree loss and park improvements due to natural gas pipeline construction through Route 66 Park.
Emergency Solutions Grant
Extension of time for a grant application, allowing leftover funds from last year to be expanded for homeless services.
Fire Sales Tax Fund Budget (FY17)
Proposed budget for the 3/4 cent sales tax fund for fire department needs, including 208 positions and various projects.
Police Sales Tax Fund Budget (FY17)
Proposed budget for the 3/4 cent sales tax fund for police department needs, including 250 positions and various projects.
Geo Bond Program (16 Mills, 10 Years)
Proposed bond issue for 336 projects across various categories, not increasing the current tax rate.
3/4 Cent Sales Tax (27 Months)
Temporary sales tax extension to fund street resurfacing, streetscapes, sidewalks, bike lanes, and trails.
1/4 Cent Sales Tax (Permanent)
Permanent sales tax extension to support general fund operations, including police, fire, and other city services.
Economic and Community Development (Geo Bond)
Allocation within the Geo Bond program for job creation incentives and affordable housing.
Affordable Housing (Geo Bond)
Allocation from the Economic and Community Development Geo Bond proposition for affordable housing programs.
Zoo Membership and Admission Fees
Proposed increases to zoo admission prices and membership fees to meet higher animal care standards, maintain facilities, and enhance guest experiences.
Sales and Use Tax Report (May)
Sales tax was up by approximately $500,000 (2.6%) over last year, and use tax was up by approximately $1.5 million, partly due to Amazon collecting sales tax.
Public Comments
Public comments included concerns about the allocation of Geo Bond funds, particularly regarding parks, golf clubhouses, and economic development incentives for large corporations, with a call for more focus on community needs and small businesses. There was also a complaint about city employees damaging a sprinkler system during water line repairs and a complaint about police involvement in a vehicle purchase dispute. One citizen praised the mayor and city departments for their work.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Zoning case at 8937 South May Avenue (deferred to June 13th)
- Closure of South Midwest Boulevard (deferred to June 13th)
Deadlines
- June 6th: Final budget workshop
- June 13th: Public hearing for Geo Bond program and sales tax extensions
- June 20th: Final hearing and hopeful adoption of Geo Bond and sales tax election calls
- September 12th: Special election for Geo Bond and sales tax extensions
Watch For
- Further discussions and public input on the Geo Bond program and sales tax extensions
- Development of policies for the affordable housing component of the Geo Bonds
- Potential for new traffic calming solutions in neighborhoods beyond stop signs
- Clarification on Amazon's sales tax collection and its impact on city revenue
Announcements
- Pastor DL Crawford and Avery Chapel AME Church recognized for after-school programs in Northeast Oklahoma City.
- Morris McRaven's Trio performed early for council members, celebrating Charlie Christian's Music Festival week.
- Proclamation for Charlie Christian International Music Festival Days on June 2nd and 3rd.
- Proclamation for Historic Preservation Week from June 5th through 9th, including the 29th annual Statewide Preservation Conference.
- New ownership of outlet malls along I-40, with excitement for potential growth.
- Homeless Alliance recognized for their work with the Emergency Solutions Grant.
- National Register nominations for Uptown Theater and Uptown Medical Building (122 North Hudson) and Langston Medical Group Clinic (1214 North Hudson).
- Discussion on LED light expansion in the city, with OG&E working on tariff establishment.
- City Manager's report on May sales and use tax, showing positive trends and Amazon's contribution to use tax revenue.
Agenda Summary
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Led by Pastor DL Crawford and Councilman Griner.
Proclamation: Charlie Christian International Music Festival Days
Proclaiming June 2nd and 3rd as Charlie Christian International Music Festival Days.
Proclamation: Historic Preservation Week
Proclaiming June 5th through 9th as Historic Preservation Week.
Item 3: Appointments
Motion on appointments to various boards and commissions.
Item 4a: Receive Journal for May 9th, 16th, and 23rd
Receiving the journal of council proceedings for specified dates.
Item 4b: Approve Journal for May 2nd
Approving the journal of council proceedings for May 2nd.
Item 5: Request for Uncontested Continuances
No requests for uncontested continuances.
Item 6a: Revocable Permit - Juneteenth Festival
Request from Perry Publishing and Broadcasting to hold the Juneteenth Festival on June 17th in Washington Park.
Item 6b: Revocable Permit - Equality Run
Request from Freedom Oklahoma to hold the Equality Run on June 17th in downtown Oklahoma City.
Item 6c: Revocable Permit - Creek Run
Request from Quail Creek Homeowners Association to hold the Creek Run.
Item 6d: Revocable Permit - Red Earth Parade
Request for the Red Earth Parade on June 9th in downtown Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA)
Recess council meeting to convene as OCMFA for three items.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPPA)
Adjourn OCMFA and convene as OCPPA for six items, including preliminary engineering report for Civic Center sound system upgrades.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (OCEAT)
Convene as OCEAT for two items.
Concurrence Docket
Discussion and vote on items on the concurrence docket, including a study on swimming in reservoirs and a wastewater agreement with Moore.
Presentation: MAPS 3 Park Contract Award
Presentation on the MAPS 3 Park contract award to Downey Contracting.
Item 9a1: Zoning Case - Outback Steakhouse
ABC issue in Ward 8 for a new Outback Steakhouse at 2402 West Memorial Road.
Item 9a2: Zoning Case - Asian Restaurant
ABC issue in Ward 5 for an Asian restaurant on Southwest 89th Street.
Item 9a3: Zoning Case - Organic Pizza Place
ABC issue in Ward 6 for an organic pizza place at 2124 North Broadway.
Item 9a4: Zoning Case - Mixed-Use Development
Zoning case at 1520 South Mustang Road in Ward 3 for a large mixed-use development.
Item 9a5: Zoning Case Deferral
Zoning case at 8937 South May Avenue in Ward 5, deferred for two weeks.
Item 9a6: Zoning Case - Ward 7
Zoning case at 283 Southeast 44th Street in Ward 7, changing to a new SPUD.
Item 9a7: Zoning Case - Ward 4
Zoning case at 7500 South Anderson Road in Ward 4, changing to a new SPUD.
Item 9b: Closure of South Midwest Boulevard
Item deferred from earlier, regarding the closure of a section of South Midwest Boulevard.
Item 9c1: Parking Regulations - North Walker
Establishes parking regulations on the west side of North Walker in Ward 6.
Item 9c2: Parking Regulations - South Hudson Avenue
Establishes parking regulations on South Hudson Avenue in Ward 6.
Item 9c3: Parking Regulations - South Robinson
Establishes parking regulations on South Robinson in Ward 6.
Item 9d: Public Hearing - Dilapidated Structures
Public hearing regarding various dilapidated structures.
Item 9e: Public Hearing - Unsecured Structures
Public hearing regarding various unsecured structures.
Item 9f: Public Hearing - Abandoned Buildings
Public hearing regarding various abandoned buildings.
Item 9g: Public Hearing - Removal from Abandoned Buildings List
Public hearing regarding removal of properties from the abandoned buildings list.
Item 9h: Public Hearing - Fire Department Capital Needs
Annual public hearing on the fire department's capital needs and 3/4 cent sales tax.
Item 9i: Public Hearing - Police Department Capital Needs
Annual public hearing on the police department's capital needs and 3/4 cent sales tax.
Item 9j: Introduction of Geo Bond Program
Introduction of propositions and projects for the Geo Bond program and setting a public hearing.
Item 9k: Strategic Investment Plan for Geo Bonds
Presentation and approval of the Strategic Investment Plan, including affordable housing, for the Geo Bond program.
Item 9l: Ordinance for 3/4 Cent Sales Tax
Introduction and setting of public hearing for an ordinance establishing the 3/4 cent sales tax.
Item 9m: Resolution to Authorize Special Election Proclamation (3/4 Cent)
Resolution to authorize a special election proclamation for the 3/4 cent sales tax.
Item 9n: Special Election Proclamation (3/4 Cent)
Special election proclamation for the 3/4 cent sales tax.
Item 9o: Resolution to Notify Election Board (3/4 Cent)
Resolution to notify the election board of the special election for the 3/4 cent sales tax.
Item 9p: Resolution of Intent (3/4 Cent)
Resolution outlining the council's intent for the use of the 3/4 cent sales tax funds.
Item 9q: Ordinance for 1/4 Cent Sales Tax
Introduction and setting of public hearing for an ordinance establishing the 1/4 cent sales tax.
Item 9r: Resolution to Authorize Special Election Proclamation (1/4 Cent)
Resolution to authorize a special election proclamation for the 1/4 cent sales tax.
Item 9s: Special Election Proclamation (1/4 Cent)
Special election proclamation for the 1/4 cent sales tax.
Item 9t: Resolution to Notify Election Board (1/4 Cent)
Resolution to notify the election board of the special election for the 1/4 cent sales tax.
Item 9u: Resolution of Intent (1/4 Cent)
Resolution outlining the council's intent for the use of the 1/4 cent sales tax funds.
Item 9v: Appeal of Traffic Commission Decision (Stop Signs)
Discussion and vote on whether to hear an appeal regarding the installation of 19 stop signs in a neighborhood.
Item 9w: Zoo Friends Membership Policy Changes
Approval of changes to the Zoo Friends membership policy.
Item 9x: Zoo Fee Adjustments
Approval of adjustments to zoo admission fees.
Item 9y: Resolution Approval
Approval of a resolution without Executive Session.
Item 9z: Claims Recommended for Denial
Discussion and vote on claims recommended for denial, including one for sprinkler system damage.
Item 10: Claims Recommended for Approval
Vote on claims recommended for approval.
Item 11a: Rescind Previous Motion on Outdoor Activities
Motion to rescind a previous council motion regarding limitations on outdoor concerts and activities.
City Manager Reports
Report on May sales and use tax revenue.
Citizens to Be Heard
Public comments from citizens on various topics.