Meeting Summary
The City Council approved several revocable permits for upcoming community events and addressed various administrative items. A significant economic development agreement for the Lantana Apartments was approved, aiming to revitalize the property. The meeting also included comprehensive updates on council priorities for safe, secure, and thriving neighborhoods, covering public safety, planning, and development services, alongside reports on revenue enforcement and the city's annual debt.
Key Decisions & Votes
Teacher of the Month Recognition
15:00April Stafford was recognized as the February 2017 Teacher of the Month by Western Heights Public Schools and the Rotary Club of Oklahoma City.
Employee of the Month Recognition
17:50Brock Bennett, Water Operations Supervisor, was recognized as the February 2017 South Oklahoma City Quanas Club Employee of the Month.
Appointment to Traffic and Transportation Commission
19:00The appointment of James Schulin to the Traffic and Transportation Commission was unanimously approved.
Approval of Journal of Council Proceedings
19:30The journal of council proceedings for January 17th was approved, and journals for January 31st and February 7th were received.
McNellie's St. Patrick's Day Block Party Permit
23:00A revocable permit was unanimously approved for McNellie's to hold their 9th annual St. Patrick's Day block party on March 17th.
Oklahoma Hall of Fame Land Run Permit
25:00A revocable permit was unanimously approved for the Oklahoma Hall of Fame to hold its 6th annual Land Run on March 25th.
Redbud Classic Permit
27:00A revocable permit was unanimously approved for the Redbud Classic, celebrating its 35th anniversary on April 8th and 9th.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority Items
27:50All seven items on the agenda for the Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority were unanimously approved.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority Items
28:30All five items on the agenda for the Oklahoma City Public Property Authority were unanimously approved.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust Items
29:00Both items on the agenda for the Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust, related to debt for improvements and recycling carts, were unanimously approved.
Consent Docket Approval
31:00The consent docket, including an ordinance for Lifetime Fitness and a water improvement district application, was unanimously approved.
Concurrence Docket Approval
31:40The concurrence docket was unanimously approved.
Yukon Property Re-annexation
32:40The re-annexation of property from Yukon, which was previously de-annexed for a park but is now being used for retail, was unanimously approved.
Dilapidated Structures Public Hearing
34:00The public hearing regarding dilapidated structures concluded with unanimous approval of recommended actions.
Unsecured Structures Public Hearing
34:30The public hearing regarding unsecured structures concluded with unanimous approval of recommended actions.
Abandoned Buildings Public Hearing
34:50The public hearing regarding abandoned buildings concluded with unanimous approval of recommended actions.
Removal of Properties from Abandoned Building List
35:20The public hearing regarding the removal of two properties from the abandoned building list concluded with unanimous approval.
Economic Development Agreement for Lantana Apartments
41:00An economic development agreement with Hartford at 10th LLC for the rehabilitation of the Lantana Apartments was unanimously approved, involving a lien release and a second mortgage.
Airport Parking Rates and Premium Parking
50:00A resolution establishing new parking rates and introducing a premium parking product at Will Rogers World Airport was unanimously approved.
Fraternal Order of Police Collective Bargaining Agreement
50:30The collective bargaining agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police for the 2016-2017 calendar year was unanimously approved.
Non-Represented Employee Pay Plans
51:00Pay plans for non-represented employees, reflecting terms of the ASME contract with no pay increase outside steps, were unanimously approved.
City Auditors, Municipal Counselors, and Management Pay Plan
51:20Pay plans for City Auditors, Municipal Counselors, and the Management Pay Plan, reaffirming sick leave, tuition reimbursement, and new insurance rates, were unanimously approved.
Solid Waste Companion Item
51:40A companion item related to solid waste, following an earlier Environmental Assistance Trust item, was unanimously approved.
Claims Recommended for Denial
53:00Claims recommended for denial were unanimously denied.
Claims Recommended for Approval
53:20Claims recommended for approval were unanimously approved.
Introduction of Ordinance for Permanent Bi-Weekly Summer Meetings
1:02:00An ordinance to permanently establish bi-weekly summer council meetings was introduced and approved to move forward.
Upcoming Community Events
Allied Arts Month
McNellie's St. Patrick's Day Block Party
Near 10th and Walker, on Northwest Walker just north of 10th Street.
Oklahoma Hall of Fame Land Run
Runs on Northwest 13th and Chartel, through Heritage Hills neighborhood. Includes 1-mile Fun Run (8:00 AM), 5K and 10K (8:30 AM).
Redbud Classic
April 8th: Cycling tours leave Waterford complex (63rd & Penn). April 9th: 5K/10K runs and 2-mile walk start at Waterford complex, go north into Nichols Hills.
MAPS 3 Senior Health & Wellness Center Ribbon Cutting
2:00 p.m. ribbon cutting, 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. open house and tours.
First Robotics 10th Anniversary Regional Competition
Held at the Cox Center, featuring 50-60 teams.
US Largest All Youth Livestock Show (Youth Expo)
Held at the fairgrounds.
NCAA Women's Regional Basketball Tournament Finals
One of four regional finals will be held in Oklahoma City.
Big 12 Women's Championships
Held in Oklahoma City.
Softball Stadium Activity
Approximately 38-39 weekends of softball activity planned.
Financial Matters
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust Debt
Issuance of debt for minor improvements to the North Portland shop, a small refunding of existing debt, and the purchase of new recycling carts.
Economic Development Agreement with Hartford at 10th LLC (Lantana Apartments)
Agreement for the rehabilitation of the Lantana Apartments, involving the city releasing $300,000 in liens for an upfront payment and converting the balance to a second mortgage.
Revenue Enforcement Program Update
Report on the first half of 2016, showing results below target due to Tax Commission initiatives. Identified incorrect online sales tax rates for 60% of top 100 retailers, leading to a statewide expansion of the review. Independent audits yielded $63,000, with $741,000 in assessments pending. Hotel tax reviews generated $29,000, expected to decrease with new online payment system. Future focus on use tax, tobacco tax, and exemption enforcement.
Annual Debt Report
Report as of June 30, 2016, indicating $1.66 billion in total debt, with GO Bond debt at $740 million and water/wastewater debt at $550 million. The city maintains very strong bond ratings (A+ to AAA).
GO Bond Mill Rate Increase Impact on Bond Rating
Discussion on the potential impact of increasing the mill rate for General Obligation Bonds on the city's bond rating. Staff believes 18 mills would be manageable, but 20 mills would put pressure on the rating.
Coming Up
Tabled
- The Mustang de-annexation question (Item 9) was postponed to April 11th.
- Agenda Items 9B1 and 9B2 were deferred until April 11th.
- Agenda Item 9P was moved to Executive Session.
Deadlines
- Lantana Apartments redevelopment project completion by September 1, 2018.
- Public hearing for the ordinance to make bi-weekly summer meetings permanent is set for February 28th.
- Final adoption for the ordinance to make bi-weekly summer meetings permanent is scheduled for March 14th.
Watch For
- The final hearing for the Lifetime Fitness ordinance at Quail Springs Mall is scheduled for March 14th.
- Future discussions and workshops regarding General Obligation Bonds for road improvements.
- A review of subdivision regulations, including potential requirements for concrete streets in new developments.
- A strategy for staffing the deferred fire station will be brought forth during the budget discussions.
- The Revenue Enforcement Program will expand its focus to include use tax, tobacco tax, and enforcement of exemptions.
Announcements
- February 2017 was proclaimed Allied Arts Month, celebrating the arts' economic and cultural impact.
- April Stafford was recognized as the February 2017 Teacher of the Month by Western Heights Public Schools and the Rotary Club of Oklahoma City.
- Brock Bennett, Water Operations Supervisor, was recognized as the February 2017 South Oklahoma City Quanas Club Employee of the Month.
- The ribbon cutting for the first MAPS 3 Senior Health & Wellness Center is scheduled for February 28th at 2:00 p.m., with an open house and tours until 6:00 p.m.
- Paycom's economic development agreements were highlighted as successful, with the company now having 2,750 employees and a third building on its campus.
- A third turn lane will be available for the 150th Street widening project near MacArthur Boulevard to improve neighborhood access.
- A scam was reported in Northwest OKC (around NW 122nd and MacArthur) involving individuals posing as student athletes selling candy to gain entry into homes.
- Condolences were extended to the family of Mr. Sherman, a neighborhood president and retired firefighter, and to State Representative George Young on the loss of his wife.
- Citizens in Wards 1, 3, 4, and 7 were encouraged to participate in election day.
- A reminder was issued about the severity of the flu season, encouraging city employees to get flu vaccines for herd immunity.
- A tribute was given to Dr. Zuhdi, a pioneer heart surgeon, for his significant global impact and loyalty to Oklahoma City.
Agenda Summary
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Opening of the meeting with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Proclamation: Allied Arts Month
Proclamation recognizing February 2017 as Allied Arts Month in Oklahoma City.
Resolution: February 2017 Teacher of the Month (April Stafford)
Recognition of April Stafford from Western Heights Public School District as the Teacher of the Month.
Resolution: February 2017 Employee of the Month (Brock Bennett)
Recognition of Brock Bennett from the Water Quality Division as the Employee of the Month.
Item 3C: Appointment of James Schulin to Traffic and Transportation Commission
Appointment of James Schulin to the Traffic and Transportation Commission.
Item 4A: Receive Journal of Council Proceedings for January 31st and February 7th
Receiving the official journal of council proceedings for specified dates.
Item 4B: Approve Journal of Council Proceedings for January 17th
Approval of the official journal of council proceedings for January 17th.
Item 5: Request for Uncontested Continuances
Requests to strike or continue several items from the agenda, including 501 Brookwood and 2624 Southwest 71st Street West.
Item 6A: Revocable Permit for McNellie's St. Patrick's Day Block Party
Request for a revocable permit to hold the McNellie's St. Patrick's Day block party.
Item 6B: Revocable Permit for Oklahoma Hall of Fame Land Run
Request for a revocable permit to hold the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Land Run event.
Item 6C: Revocable Permit for Redbud Classic
Request for a revocable permit to hold the Redbud Classic event.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (7 items)
Consideration of seven items under the Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (5 items)
Consideration of five items under the Oklahoma City Public Property Authority.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (2 items)
Consideration of two items under the Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust, related to debt for improvements and recycling carts.
Item 7 (Consent Docket)
Approval of the consent docket, including an ordinance for Lifetime Fitness and a water improvement district application.
Item 8 (Concurrence Docket)
Approval of the concurrence docket.
Item 9A: De-annexation with Oklahoma City and dealing with City of Yukon (re-annexation)
Re-annexation of property previously de-annexed to Yukon for park facilities, now used for retail.
Item 9B1 & 9B2
Items deferred from an earlier part of the meeting.
Item 9C: Public Hearing regarding Dilapidated Structures
Public hearing concerning dilapidated structures.
Item 9D: Public Hearing regarding Unsecured Structures
Public hearing concerning unsecured structures.
Item 9E: Public Hearing regarding Abandoned Buildings
Public hearing concerning abandoned buildings.
Item 9F: Public Hearing regarding the Removal of Properties from the Abandoned Building List
Public hearing concerning the removal of two properties from the abandoned building list.
Item 9G: Economic Development Agreement with Hartford at 10th LLC (Lantana Apartments)
Economic development agreement for the rehabilitation of the Lantana Apartments, involving lien release and a second mortgage.
Item 9H: Resolution establishing new parking rates and premium parking at Will Rogers World Airport
Resolution to adjust parking rates and introduce a new premium parking product at the airport.
Item 9I: Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police for 2016-2017
Approval of the collective bargaining agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police.
Item 9J: Pay Plans for Non-Represented Employees
Approval of pay plans for non-represented employees, reflecting terms similar to the ASME contract.
Item 9K: Pay Plans for City Auditors, Municipal Counselors, and Management Pay Plan
Approval of pay plans for City Auditors, Municipal Counselors, and the Management Pay Plan.
Item 9L: Companion item to Solid Waste (EAT item)
Approval of a companion item related to solid waste, following an earlier Environmental Assistance Trust item.
Item 9M
Consideration of an item that did not require an Executive Session.
Item 9N
Consideration of an item that did not require an Executive Session.
Item 9O
Consideration of an item that did not require an Executive Session.
Item 9P
Consideration of an item that required an Executive Session.
Item 9Q: Claims Recommended for Denial
Consideration of claims recommended for denial.
Item 10A: Claims Recommended for Approval
Consideration of claims recommended for approval.
Item 11A: Introduction of ordinance to make bi-weekly summer meetings permanent
Introduction of an ordinance to permanently establish bi-weekly summer council meetings.