Meeting Summary
The City Council proclaimed July as Parks and Recreation Month and recognized an employee of the month. Key decisions included approving significant funding for convention center property acquisition and an economic development incentive, which sparked debate over resource allocation. The council also approved changes to the Spokies Bike Share program fee structure and named the MAPS 3 I-44 trail the "Will Rogers Trail."
Key Decisions & Votes
Economic Development Incentive for National Litigation Law Group
Not specifiedA $500,000 incentive from the 2007 GO Bond funds was approved for the National Litigation Law Group, aimed at creating 500 jobs over five years with an average salary of $48,000. This decision sparked debate regarding the use and transparency of such funds.
Convention Center Acquisition Project Funding
Not specifiedAn allocation of $4.5 million from the downtown Tiff program was approved to acquire property south and east of the new Convention Center site for potential private redevelopment or public parking.
Spokies Bike Share Program Fee Management
Not specifiedAn amendment to the municipal code was approved, repealing the existing fees for the Spokies Bike Share program and granting KATPA the authority to adjust fares. This change aims to transition to a transit-based fee structure and integrate with broader transit fare analysis.
Naming of MAPS 3 I-44 Trail
Not specifiedA resolution was approved to officially name the upcoming MAPS 3 I-44 trail the "Will Rogers Trail," following discussion about naming conventions and historical figures.
Upcoming Community Events
National Park and Recreation Month
Proclaimed by Mayor Cornett, recognizing the OKC Parks and Recreation Department and Civic Center staff.
OKC Philharmonic Free Concert
At State Fair Park, included fireworks.
Wheeler District Ferris Wheel Opening
Ribbon cutting at approximately 5:30 PM, open to the public.
Financial Matters
Convention and Tourism Promotion
Allocation to the CBB for convention, tourism, and visitation promotion, with $1.1 million for incentives.
Economic Development Incentive
Incentive to the National Litigation Law Group from 2007 GO Bond funds for the creation of 500 jobs over 5 years, with an average salary of $48,000.
Neighborhood Activities Allocation
Allocation to various neighborhood activities, with concerns raised about only 15% being allocated south of the river.
YWCA Domestic Violence Program
Funding provided to the YWCA's domestic violence program.
Convention Center Acquisition Project Support
Allocation from the downtown Tiff program to acquire property for private redevelopment or public parking in the vicinity of the new Convention Center site.
Spokies Bike Share Program Revenue
Annual revenue generated from normal Bike Share fees.
Spokies Bike Share Program Sponsorship
Sponsorship secured from Blue Cross Blue Shield for the Bike Share program.
Streetcar Operations and Maintenance
Estimated annual cost to operate the streetcar at a proposed service level (10-14 minute frequencies, early morning to late night).
June Sales Tax Collections
June sales tax was down 7.7%, ending the year $4 million below last year and $9 million below projections.
July Sales Tax Collections
Preliminary July sales tax check was 1.4% below last year.
Public Comments
Georgie Rasco from Neighborhood Alliance spoke to clarify historical funding for neighborhood organizations and to highlight current efforts and successes in South Oklahoma City, including an office, programs, home rehabs, and leadership training.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Item 9A2 (deferred until July 19th)
Watch For
- Convention Center Hotel subsidies
- Next GO Bond outline and economic incentive fund parameters
- Streetcar funding and Title VI compliance discussions (in two weeks)
- Consultant report on system-wide transit fare analysis
- Logistics of a city-level motor fuel sales tax
- Retail development incentives in economically depressed areas along bus lines
Announcements
- Proclamation of July 2016 as Park and Recreation Month in Oklahoma City.
- Recognition of Doug Paulson as July 2016 South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club Employee of the Month.
- Request for candidates to remove election signs from across the city.
- Congratulations and thanks to the Oklahoma City Philharmonic for their free concert and fireworks on July 4th at State Fair Park.
- The Wheeler District Ferris Wheel is open to the public, with a ribbon cutting scheduled for the afternoon of the meeting.
- Mayor Cornett was seen on national TV with the Mayor of Baltimore discussing the US Conference of Mayors.
- Public wishes of good luck and thanks to Kevin Durant for his time with the team.
Agenda Summary
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Opening of the meeting with a prayer by Reverend Joe Alce and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Calman Shadid.
Proclamation of July 2016 as Park and Recreation Month
Mayor Cornett proclaimed July as Park and Recreation Month, recognizing the Parks and Recreation Department and Civic Center staff.
Recognition of Doug Paulson as Employee of the Month
Resolution commending Doug Paulson, Woodson Park Senior Center supervisor, as July 2016 Employee of the Month.
4A - Receive Journal of Council Proceedings for June 21st
Review and receive the journal from the previous council meeting.
4B - Approve Journal of Council Proceedings for June 14th
Review and approve the journal from a previous council meeting.
5 - Request for Uncontested Continuances
Several items (9E1, 9G1, 9H1) were requested to be stricken from the agenda due to owners securing their properties.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OC MFA) Items
Consideration of seven items on the OC MFA agenda.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OC PPA) Items
Consideration of four items on the OC PPA agenda, including discussion on sound system upgrades.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (OC EAT) Items
Consideration of four items on the OC EAT agenda.
Consent Docket
A collection of routine items, including financial allocations for convention promotion, an economic development incentive, neighborhood activity funding, and support for a domestic violence program.
Concurrence Docket
Consideration of items from other authorities, including a $4.5 million allocation for the Convention Center acquisition project.
9A1 - Zoning Case: 11221 North University Avenue
Rezoning from R1 single family to R2 medium low residential.
9A2 - Zoning Case
Zoning case deferred to a future meeting.
9A3 - Zoning Case: 2842 Northwest 11 Street
Rezoning from R1 single family residential to a new simplified plan unit development for a multi-family duplex.
9A4 - Zoning Case: 25 East Park Place
Rezoning from R4 General residential to a new PUD to relocate the O&G substation.
9A5 - Amending Master Design Statement (Ward 4)
Consideration of an amendment to a master design statement.
9B1 - Vote on Amendment for 9A5
Vote on the amendment related to the master design statement.
9B2 - Vote on Ordinance for 9A5
Vote on the ordinance related to the master design statement.
9C - Parking Issue: Southwest 7 Street
Parking issue related to the MAPS downtown park.
9D - Amendment to Chapter 60 (Spokies Bike Share Fees)
Introduction of an amendment to repeal fees for the Spokies Bike Share program from the municipal code, allowing KATPA to manage fares.
9E - Public Hearing: Dilapidated Structures
Public hearing regarding various dilapidated structures.
9F1 - Public Hearing: Dilapidated Structure in HP District (Ward 6)
Public hearing regarding a dilapidated structure, with a motion to keep it on the list.
9F2 - Public Hearing: Dilapidated Structure in HP District (Ward 6)
Public hearing regarding a dilapidated structure, with a motion for approval (presumably to proceed with action).
9G - Public Hearing: Unsecured Structures
Public hearing regarding various unsecured structures.
9H - Public Hearing: Abandoned Buildings
Public hearing regarding various abandoned buildings.
9I - Public Hearing: Removal of Properties from Abandoned Building List
Public hearing regarding the removal of properties from the abandoned building list.
9J - Resolution to Name MAPS 3 I-44 Trail the "Will Rogers Trail"
Resolution to officially name the upcoming MAPS 3 I-44 trail.
9K - Claims Recommended for Denial
Consideration of claims recommended for denial.
10 - Claims Recommended for Approval
Consideration of claims recommended for approval.