Meeting Summary
The City Council meeting saw the recognition of two city employees for saving a life and bus drivers for their service. Key discussions included a proposed change to hotel tax payment processing fees and the city's achievement of a Class 1 ISO rating for fire protection. The council also deliberated on potential future sales tax initiatives to address operational funding needs.
Key Decisions & Votes
Employee of the Month Recognition
00:06:00Patrick McMasters and Tony Whitlock from the utilities department were recognized as Employees of the Month for saving a woman's life on a bridge.
Transit Bus Operator Appreciation Day Proclamation
00:12:00A proclamation was issued declaring March 17th as Transit Bus Operator Appreciation Day in Oklahoma City, honoring Embark bus operators.
Consent Docket (excluding 7ab)
00:23:00The majority of the consent docket items were approved unanimously, with item 7ab pulled for separate consideration.
Item 7ab (Easement Acquisition)
00:25:00An item related to easement acquisition was approved, following a discussion about the funding model for streetcar routes in other cities.
Concurrence Docket
00:27:00The concurrence docket was approved unanimously.
Zoning Case 9A1 (1112 Southeast 44th Street)
00:28:00A zoning case in Ward 4 was approved unanimously.
Zoning Case 9A2 (737 Southeast 89th Street)
00:29:00A zoning change from I2 to C3 for a church project in Ward 4 was approved unanimously.
Zoning Case 9A3 (Plaza Mayor Boulevard)
00:30:00A zoning change related to Plaza Mayor Boulevard in Ward 4 was approved unanimously.
Zoning Case 9A4 (1435 Southwest 22nd Street)
00:31:00A zoning change from R3 to Spud for a convenience store in Ward 6 was approved unanimously.
Zoning Case 9A5 (12520 Northwest 10th Street)
00:32:00A zoning case in Ward 3 was approved unanimously.
Special Permit Request (Quail Springs Mall/Lifetime Fitness)
00:33:00A special permit request for Lifetime Fitness at Quail Springs Mall was approved unanimously.
Easement/Right-of-Way Closing 9C1 (Northwest 59th Street)
00:34:00The closing of an easement on Northwest 59th Street in Ward 7 was approved unanimously.
Easement/Right-of-Way Closing 9C2 (Platted Park Line)
00:35:00The closing of a platted park line in Ward 6 for redevelopment was approved unanimously.
Easement/Right-of-Way Closing 9C3 (Utility Easement)
00:36:00The closing of a utility easement in Ward 2 was approved unanimously.
Easement/Right-of-Way Closing 9C4 (Easement in Ward 8)
00:36:00The closing of an easement in Ward 8 was approved unanimously.
Traffic Commission Item 9D1 (Angled Parking)
00:37:00A request for angled parking on Willow Springs Avenue in Ward 2 was approved unanimously.
Traffic Commission Item 9D2 (Disabled Parking Space)
00:38:00A request for a physically disabled parking space in Ward 2 was approved unanimously.
Traffic Commission Item 9D3 (Parking Issue)
00:38:00A parking issue in Ward 7 was approved unanimously.
Traffic Commission Item 9D4 (Parking Issue)
00:39:00A parking issue in Ward 7 was approved unanimously.
Ordinance Amendment (Firefighters Pension Board)
00:46:00An ordinance to remove the local firefighters pension board from city ordinance, as it expired by state law, was accepted for introduction.
Issuance of Bonds (9G)
00:54:00The item regarding the issuance of bonds was accepted, following an update on the city's AAA bond rating.
Public Hearing (Dilapidated Structures)
00:54:00All items under the public hearing for dilapidated structures were approved unanimously.
Public Hearing (Unsecured Structures)
00:55:00All items under the public hearing for unsecured structures were approved unanimously.
Public Hearing (Abandoned Buildings)
00:55:00All items under the public hearing for abandoned buildings were approved unanimously.
Public Hearing (Removal from Abandoned Buildings List)
00:56:00The removal of properties from the abandoned buildings list was approved unanimously.
Amendment to Resolution 9L1 (Special Assessments)
01:00:00An amendment was approved to allow the City Council to waive fees for special assessments if the petitioner demonstrates financial necessity.
Resolution 9L2 (Special Assessments)
01:00:00The resolution regarding special assessments, with the approved amendment, was passed unanimously.
Police Policy Change 9M1 (Procedural Justice)
01:03:00A policy change formalizing the police department's philosophy on procedural justice was approved unanimously.
Police Policy Change 9M2 (Records 720)
01:03:00A policy change to clean up language in records policy 720, particularly regarding the release of investigative records, was approved unanimously.
Water Improvement District (Clifford Farm Subdivision)
01:04:00A resolution to create a water improvement district for the Clifford Farm subdivision in Ward 8 was approved unanimously.
Executive Session Item 9O
01:05:00Item 9O was approved without the need for an executive session.
Executive Session Item 9P
01:05:00Item 9P was approved without the need for an executive session.
Claims Recommended for Denial (9R)
01:06:00Claims recommended for denial were approved unanimously.
Claims Recommended for Approval (10A)
01:07:00Claims recommended for approval were approved unanimously.
Final Hearing (Item 11A)
01:07:00Item 11A, before the council for the third time, was approved unanimously.
Upcoming Community Events
Glow Run
To be held at Stars and Stripes Park, organized by the Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust.
Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon
The 17th annual race, expected to have over 25,000 runners, with a new app and an 'Oklahoma Standard' stretch. Registration at OKCmarathon.com.
OKC Dodgers Community Run
Includes a 1K, 5K, and kids run, starting on Mickey Mantle Drive, going through Bricktown, and finishing on the field. Benefits the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation and the Police Athletic League. Register at OKCdodgers.com.
Wellness Center Ribbon Cutting
The new Wellness Center had its ribbon cutting. Memberships are available by calling 773-6910, with an anticipated opening date of March 20th.
Financial Matters
Hotel Tax Payment Processing Fees
Discussion regarding a proposed 2.2% fee for hotels paying their hotel tax by credit card. Hotels argue against being singled out, while the city states it's allowed by state law for tax collection and covers processing costs.
Issuance of Bonds
The city received good news on its AAA bond rating from Standard & Poor's and Moody's, which will allow for favorable rates on the upcoming bond sale on March 28th. This will enable more projects to be undertaken while maintaining the mill levy.
Public Comments
Public comments included concerns from hotel owners regarding proposed credit card processing fees for hotel tax payments, a citizen's complaint about being denied the opportunity to speak on specific agenda items, and a commendation for Councilman White's contributions to public transportation.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- March 28th: Public hearing for the firefighters pension board ordinance and bond sale.
- April 11th: Final adoption for the firefighters pension board ordinance.
Watch For
- Discussion on potential sales tax initiatives to address operational funding needs, including a possible temporary sales tax for general fund operations and a permanent increase for public safety staffing.
- Further details on the upcoming bond issue and scenarios for council consideration in April.
Announcements
- Patrick McMasters and Tony Whitlock were recognized as Employees of the Month for saving a life.
- March 17th was proclaimed Transit Bus Operator Appreciation Day.
- The City of Oklahoma City achieved an ISO Class 1 rating for fire protection, the highest possible, which is expected to lead to lower insurance rates.
- Ballet Oklahoma was congratulated on acquiring a new building.
- The Boys and Girls Club was commended for their positive impact on children and families at Santa Fe Charter School and Caesar Chavez Elementary School.
- The new Wellness Center had its ribbon cutting on February 28th, with tours available and an anticipated opening on March 20th.
Agenda Summary
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Opening of the meeting with a prayer by Pastor Tim Haynes and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Employee of the Month Recognition
Recognition of Patrick McMasters and Tony Whitlock from the utilities department for their heroic actions.
Transit Bus Operator Appreciation Day Proclamation
Proclamation honoring Embark bus operators for their service.
Item 3B through F
Series of appointments.
Item 4A
Receive the Journal of Council Proceedings for February 28th.
Item 4B
Approve the Journal of Council Proceedings for February 14th.
Item 5
Requests for uncontested continuances, with several items stricken as owners secured properties.
Item 6A
Revocable permit request for the Glow Run at Stars and Stripes Park by the Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust.
Item 6B
Revocable permit request for the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon by the Oklahoma City National Memorial Foundation.
Item 6C
Revocable permit request for the OKC Dodgers Community Run by the Oklahoma City Dodgers.
Item 6D
Right-of-way permit for the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon by the National Memorial Foundation.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA)
Convening and adjourning of the OCMFA.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPPA)
Convening and adjourning of the OCPPA.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (OCEAT)
Convening and adjourning of the OCEAT for claims and payroll.
Consent Docket (excluding 7ab)
Approval of the consent docket items, with 7ab pulled for individual consideration.
Item 7ab
Individual consideration and approval of an item related to easement acquisition.
Concurrence Docket
Approval of the concurrence docket.
Item 9A1
Zoning case in Ward 4 at 1112 Southeast 44th Street.
Item 9A2
Zoning case in Ward 4 at 737 Southeast 89th Street, changing from I2 to C3.
Item 9A3
Zoning change related to Plaza Mayor Boulevard in Ward 4.
Item 9A4
Zoning case in Ward 6 at 1435 Southwest 22nd Street, changing from R3 to Spud.
Item 9A5
Zoning case in Ward 3 at 12520 Northwest 10th Street.
Item 9B
Special permit request for Lifetime Fitness at Quail Springs Mall.
Item 9C1
Closing of an easement on Northwest 59th Street in Ward 7.
Item 9C2
Closing of a platted park line in Ward 6 for redevelopment.
Item 9C3
Closing of a utility easement in Ward 2.
Item 9C4
Closing of an easement in Ward 8.
Item 9D1
Traffic commission item regarding angled parking on Willow Springs Avenue in Ward 2.
Item 9D2
Traffic commission item regarding a physically disabled parking space in Ward 2.
Item 9D3
Traffic commission item regarding a parking issue in Ward 7.
Item 9D4
Traffic commission item regarding a parking issue in Ward 7.
Item 9E
Public hearing on proposed credit card processing fees for hotel tax payments.
Item 9F
Introduction of an ordinance to remove the local firefighters pension board from city ordinance.
Item 9G
Issuance of bonds, with an update on the city's AAA bond rating.
Item 9H
Public hearing regarding dilapidated structures.
Item 9I
Public hearing regarding unsecured structures.
Item 9J
Public hearing regarding abandoned buildings.
Item 9K
Public hearing regarding removal of property from the abandoned buildings list.
Item 9L1
Amendment to a resolution regarding special assessments, allowing fee waivers for financial necessity.
Item 9L2
Resolution regarding special assessments, with the approved amendment.
Item 9M1
Police policy change on procedural justice.
Item 9M2
Police policy change on records (720) for clearer language.
Item 9N
Resolution to create a water improvement district for the Clifford Farm subdivision.
Item 9O
Item for consideration, no executive session needed.
Item 9P
Item for consideration, no executive session needed.
Item 9Q
Item moved to executive session.
Item 9R
Claims recommended for denial.
Item 10A
Claims recommended for approval.
Item 11A
Final hearing on an item from Council.
City Manager Reports
Presentation by the Fire Chief on the city's ISO Class 1 rating for fire protection.
Citizens to Be Heard
Opportunity for citizens to address the council on individual concerns.