Meeting Summary
The City Council recognized outstanding individuals, approved numerous revocable permits for community events, and received updates on the Zika virus, transportation, transit, parks, and education. Key decisions included approving the first budget amendment for FY2017, refunding Water Utilities Trust bonds for significant savings, and passing a resolution urging voters against State Question 777. Public comments focused on establishing Indigenous People's Day and concerns regarding sewage sludge land application.
Upcoming Community Events
St Jude Children's Research Hospital 5K Walk/Run
Wheeler Park, starting at 8:30 AM, cleared by noon.
AIDS Walk of Oklahoma City and 5K Run
Centered around the Myriad Gardens, run includes part of the Oklahoma River Trail. Registration begins at 7:30 AM. Online registration at OKCaidswalk.org.
Down Syndrome Festival and 5K
Bricktown Ballpark, 22nd annual event to raise money for inclusion and awareness.
JDRF International One Walk
Setup around 6 AM, walk starts at 9 AM, expected to conclude by 11 AM.
Wiggle Out Loud Family Music Festival
Myriad Gardens, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Volunteer positions available at wiggleoutloud.com.
Oklahoma Lawyers for Children Masquerade 5K
Starting from the Juvenile Justice Center around 8:00 AM, route around the Southside, expected to finish by noon.
Plaza District Festival
12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, featuring food trucks, local artists, and two music stages.
Red Coyote Runtoberfest 5K
Midtown, in cooperation with Fassler Hall, starting at 2:00 PM, running through the Heritage Hills area.
Rosary and St Francis October Fest Fun Run
Fun run through the Gatewood neighborhood, followed by a private event on school grounds.
The Color Run
Tour de Barbecue Cycling Event
Benefits the Stevenson Cancer Center, with 15, 30, or 60-mile routes. Based out of the Mickey Mantle Avenue area in Bricktown.
Red Man Triathlon (ITU Long-Distance World Championships)
Lake Hefner and the Boathouse District, hosting athletes from 43 foreign countries.
OKC Navy Ball
National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.
OKC Navy Day on the Oklahoma River
Free admission to the Oklahoma State Fair for children of active duty sailors.
OKC Navy Days Golf Tournament
Gaillardia Country Club, for local active duty Sailors.
Financial Matters
MAPS 3 Collections Update
Discussion on MAPS 3 collections, with an anticipated substantial surplus/contingency of $40-42 million expected by the end of collections in December 2017.
FY2017 First Budget Amendment
Introduction of the first budget amendment for fiscal year 2017, totaling $3.9 million. Includes purchase order rollovers, $600,000 for fire department roof repairs, $600,000 for stormwater drainage channel cleaning, and movement of positions within the Transportation and Parking Department.
Fire Sales Tax Fund Resolution
Authorization of an additional $600,000 for fire department roof repairs and an increase from $150,000 to $200,000 for advanced life support training for paramedics.
Water Utilities Trust Indebtedness
Refunding of the Water Utilities Trust's Series 2009A bonds, resulting in a Net Present Value savings of $5.4 million.
Abandoned Building Demolition Funding
Discussion on allocating funding in future budgets for proactive demolition of abandoned buildings, with the city placing a lien on properties for reimbursement upon sale.
Public Comments
Public comments were primarily divided between two main topics: advocating for the establishment of Indigenous People's Day in Oklahoma City, replacing Columbus Day, and expressing serious concerns about the health and environmental impacts of sewage sludge land application on groundwater and air quality in Eastern Oklahoma County.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Zoning and planning code amendments (Item 9D) were moved to a future meeting for a final vote.
Deadlines
- Public hearing for the FY2017 First Budget Amendment is scheduled for September 27th.
- The finalized list of projects for the next bond issue is expected by early next year.
- A bond election is being considered for mid-September next year, requiring a call for election by mid-July.
Watch For
- The first Wellness Center in Ward 8 is on schedule to open by early next year.
- Discussions on the allocation of the MAPS 3 contingency/surplus funds, potentially for a parking solution or a fifth senior health and wellness center.
- The Water Utilities Trust will enter into a contract with CDM Smith to review its present land application program and provide findings and recommendations.
Announcements
- Seretta Bridges was recognized as the September 2016 Teacher of the Month by Oklahoma City Public Schools and the Rotary Club of Oklahoma City.
- United States Navy Days were proclaimed in Oklahoma City, recognizing the Navy's presence and upcoming events.
- Fred Moon was recognized as the September 2016 Employee of the Month by the South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club for his 34 years of service with the Police Department.
- Pat Downs, Riverfront Redevelopment Director, suffered a stroke and is in a medically induced coma.
- Preservation Oklahoma's traveling exhibit on endangered places is located on the second floor of City Hall for two weeks.
- Cox Communications worked with staff to develop an animated PSA about the Curbside Chronicle.
- The Nea Festa event was a success, with a large crowd in Pearl Mesta Park.
- The Fire Department held a 5K walk/run to raise money for their smoke alarm detector program.
Agenda Summary
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Led by Doug Runan, Pastor at Oklahoma City Trinity Church of the Nazarene, followed by Councilwoman Saer leading the Pledge of Allegiance.
Resolution recognizing Seretta Bridges as September 2016 Teacher of the Month
Honoring Seretta Bridges, a fifth-grade teacher at Bodine Elementary School, for her dedication and contributions to education.
Proclamation of United States Navy Days in Oklahoma City
Recognizing the presence and economic impact of the U.S. Navy in Oklahoma City and upcoming Navy Days events.
Resolution commending Fred Moon as September 2016 Employee of the Month
Honoring Fred Moon from the Uniform Support Division of the Police Department for 34 years of service, particularly in investigating derelict vehicle concerns.
Item 3C: Update on Zika Virus preparations and response
Presentation by Frank Barnes (Emergency Manager) and Gary Cox (OKC County Board of Health) on the city's mosquito-borne disease program, current Zika situation, and action plan. Discussion included surveillance, larvicide application, habitat modification, and traveler surveillance.
Item 3D: Appointments for the CVB
Consideration of appointments to the Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Item 4A: Receive the journal for August 30th
Receiving the official record of council proceedings from August 30th.
Item 4B: Approve the journal for August 16th
Approving the official record of council proceedings from August 16th.
Item 5: Request for uncontested continuances
Requests to strike several properties from the agenda due to owners having secured them.
Item 6A: Revocable Permit for Al alac St Jude's Children Research Hospital walk/run
Request to hold a 5K walk/run to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Wheeler Park.
Item 6B: Revocable Permit for AIDS Walk of Oklahoma City and 5K run
Request to hold the 18th annual AIDS Walk and 8th annual 5K run, with proceeds benefiting local HIV/AIDS service providers.
Item 6C: Revocable Permit for Down Syndrome Association Festival and 5K
Request to hold the 22nd annual Down Syndrome Festival and 5K at the Bricktown Ballpark to raise money for inclusion and awareness.
Item 6D: Revocable Permit for JDRF International One Walk
Request to hold the 'One Walk' event, formerly for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Item 6E: Revocable Permit for Kint events Inc Wiggle Out Loud
Request to hold the 'Wiggle Out Loud' family music festival at the Myriad Gardens, a fundraiser for Children's Hospital volunteers.
Item 6F: Revocable Permit for Oklahoma Lawyers for Children Masquerade 5K
Request to hold the inaugural Masquerade 5K starting from the Juvenile Justice Center.
Item 6G: Revocable Permit for Plaza District Festival
Request to hold the 18th Annual Plaza District Festival featuring food trucks, local artists, and music stages.
Item 6H: Revocable Permit for Road Runners Club of America Red Coyote Runtoberfest 5K
Request to hold the Red Coyote Runtoberfest 5K, moving its location to Midtown in cooperation with Fassler Hall.
Item 6I: Revocable Permit for St Francis of Assisi Church and Rosary School Rosary and St Francis October Fest
Request to hold a fun run through the Gatewood neighborhood for the school and parish, followed by a private event.
Item 6J: Revocable Permit for The Color Run LLC The Color Run
Request to hold 'The Color Run' event.
Item 6K: Revocable Permit for Ultramax Sports Tour Day Barbecue
Request to hold the 'Tour de Barbecue,' a new cycling event benefiting the Stevenson Cancer Center, with routes around the metro area.
Item 6L: Revocable Permit for David Wood Red Man Triathlon
Request to hold the 12th annual Red Man Triathlon, which is hosting the 2016 ITU Long-Distance World Championships at Lake Hefner and the Boathouse District.
Item 6M: Revocable Permit for Water Utilities Trust Redman Triathlon and Half Triathlon
Request for a separate permit to use Lake Hefner as a venue for the Redman Triathlon and Half Triathlon.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA) Docket
Consideration of three items on the OCMFA docket.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPPA) Docket
Consideration of six items on the OCPPA docket, including a bid for moving a piece of the Land Run Monument and a lease for the first Wellness Center in Ward 8.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (OCEAT) Docket
Consideration of claims and payroll for the OCEAT.
Consent Docket
Approval of routine items grouped together for efficiency.
Item 9A: Final hearing on Solid Waste fees
Final consideration of proposed changes to Solid Waste fees.
Item 9B: Resolution to adopt and confirm assessment roll for Stockyards City Business Improvement District (2016-17)
Public hearing and resolution to adopt and confirm the assessment roll for the Stockyards City Business Improvement District.
Item 9C: Final hearing to set assessment roll for Stockyards City Business Improvement District
Final consideration to set the assessment roll for the upcoming year for the Stockyards City Business Improvement District.
Item 9D: Public hearing regarding zoning and planning code amendments
Public hearing on amendments to the zoning and planning code, previously introduced.
Item 9E: Public hearing regarding dilapidated structures
Public hearing concerning properties identified as dilapidated structures.
Item 9F: Public hearing regarding unsecured structures
Public hearing concerning properties identified as unsecured structures, including discussion on a property at 351 Northeast 23rd Street.
Item 9G: Public hearing regarding abandoned buildings
Public hearing concerning properties identified as abandoned buildings.
Item 9H: Public hearing regarding removal of properties from the abandoned building list
Public hearing concerning properties recommended for removal from the abandoned building list.
Item 9I: Public hearing on Fire Sales Tax Fund resolution
Introduction and public hearing on a resolution to authorize an additional $600,000 for fire department roof repairs and increase funds for advanced life support training for paramedics.
Item 9J: Incurrence of indebtedness with the Water Utilities Trust
Resolution for refunding the Water Utilities Trust's Series 2009A bonds, projected to save $5.4 million.
Item 9K: Executive Session Item
An item requiring discussion in executive session.
Item 9L: Claims recommended for denial
Consideration of claims that have been recommended for denial.
Item 10A: National League of Cities travel expenses
Motion to approve travel expenses for council members to attend the National League of Cities conference in Pittsburgh.
Item 10B: Continue every other week Council schedule
Resolution to continue the every other week Council meeting schedule through April of next year.
Item 10C: Resolution urging voters against State Question 777
Resolution expressing the Council's opinion that State Question 777 (Right to Farm) would have negative consequences for Oklahoma City.
City Manager Report: Council Priorities - Transportation
Update on developing a transportation system, including citizen satisfaction with streets, miles of trails/sidewalks constructed, and average commute time. Presented by Eric Winger.
City Manager Report: Council Priorities - Embark
Update on Embark's performance, including ridership, total bus service hours, and average frequency during peak hours. Presented by Chip Nolan.
City Manager Report: Council Priorities - Parks and Recreation
Update on enhancing recreation opportunities and community wellness, including citizen physical activity, park accessibility, park maintenance satisfaction, and park usage. Presented by Doug Copper.
City Manager Report: Council Priorities - Education
Update on supporting high-quality public education, including third-grade reading comprehension, graduation rates, remedial class rates, and average ACT scores. Presented by Debbie Martin.
City Manager Report: Abandoned Building Report
Update on monies expended and recovered for abandoned buildings, proposed ordinances, and a list of egregious problem properties.