Meeting Summary
The City Council approved several routine items and heard presentations on significant city projects. Key discussions included Tiff funding requests for Metro Tech and Oklahoma County facility improvements, an update on the NW 23rd Street project, and the rebuilding of Hudson Street for the modern streetcar. The council also approved changes to the Water Trust commercial paper program and received a comprehensive update on the city's new website and mobile app.
Key Decisions & Votes
Amendment on Minimum Parcel Sizes for Arches
An amendment allowing arches on larger tracts of property was approved.
Ordinance on Minimum Parcel Sizes for Arches
The ordinance related to the amendment on minimum parcel sizes for arches was adopted.
Water Trust Commercial Paper Program Changes
Changes to the Water Trust commercial paper program were approved, increasing the limit to $275 million and modifying the financing tool for cost savings.
ABC Issue in Ward 6 (Wing Stop)
An application for a Wing Stop Restaurant in Ward 6 was approved.
Spud in Ward 7 (Fence Company)
A spud allowing a fence company to occupy a site in Ward 7 was approved.
Ward 7 Building Compliance Issue
An item to bring a building in a utility easement in Ward 7 into compliance with city code was approved.
Dilapidated Structures List (926 NE 17th Street)
A 60-day extension was granted for the property at 926 NE 17th Street, with staff to work with the owner on the timeline.
Claims Recommended for Approval
Claims recommended for approval were passed by the council.
Claims Recommended for Denial
Claims recommended for denial were rejected by the council.
Upcoming Community Events
Festival of the Arts
Starts today at 11 AM, runs through Sunday at 6 PM. Located downtown, expects 750,000 people. Features visual/performing arts, local food, culinary arts tent in Bicentennial Park.
West 10 group fair
Held at Lions Club property on Northwest 10th, focused on apartment residents, offered services and entertainment.
Metro Prayer Breakfast
Inspirational event where the Governor, Mayor, and other officials spoke.
AIA architectural tour
Spread across the city, included a 'Positively Poo' building in Ward 7 (affordable housing) and the old Sunbeam facility 'The Ark' (now 17 small businesses).
Greens Homeowner Association meeting
7 PM at The Greens Country Club, topics include road resurfacing, sidewalks, and growth.
Financial Matters
Tiff Allocation for Metro Technology Centers
Presentation on a request for $5 million in Tiff assistance for a $22.3 million project to upgrade the 4901 South Bryant Avenue campus, including tornado safety, remodeling, and creating a center of excellence.
Tiff Allocation for Oklahoma County
Presentation on a request for Tiff assistance for construction costs of various county facility improvements, including roof repair, sally port repair, elevator installation, entrance redesign, exterior lighting, repurposing the 9th floor of the courthouse, and lower roof repair at the County Jail.
Water Trust Commercial Paper Program Changes
Approved changes to the commercial paper program, increasing the total limit to $275 million and modifying the letter of credit to a standby bond purchase agreement to save costs. The annual cost will increase from $590,000 to approximately $1.1-$1.2 million due to the program's expanded size.
Public Comments
Joe Serge Nelson expressed dissatisfaction with letters received from the city regarding his complaint and stated his intention to proceed with a lawsuit, emphasizing the seriousness of the matter.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Item 2 (deferred until April 26th)
Watch For
- North Park and streetcar construction bidding (August/September/October time frame)
- Launch of new city website and mobile app (May 15th/16th)
Announcements
- May is proclaimed Building Safety Month in Oklahoma City, honoring the Development Department for their work in ensuring safe structures.
- April 19th through 24th is proclaimed Festival of the Arts week, celebrating the 50th annual event.
- The passing of Clyde Madden, a former frequent attendee of council meetings and mayoral candidate, was noted by several council members.
- The Oklahoma City Employees Clinic was highlighted as a valuable resource for city employees, offering health benefits and cost savings.
- The COTPA parking garage at Sheridan and Main is undergoing improvements, revealing architectural columns.
- The AIA architectural tour showcased local projects, including affordable housing in Ward 7 and the 'The Ark' facility.
- The city's new website and mobile app, OKC Connect, are set to launch by May 15th/16th, aiming to improve citizen interaction and access to information.
- The 21st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing was remembered, acknowledging the tragic day and the city's resilience.
Agenda Summary
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Captain Ted Wilson led the invocation, followed by Councilman Stonecipher leading the Pledge of Allegiance.
Proclamation for Building Safety Month
A proclamation was read, and Mayor Cornett proclaimed May as Building Safety Month, honoring the Development Department.
Proclamation for Festival of the Arts Week
A proclamation was read, and Mayor Cornett proclaimed April 19th-24th as Festival of the Arts Week, celebrating the 50th annual event.
Item 3: Appointment
An appointment was considered by the council.
Item 4: Journal of council proceedings
To receive the proceedings from April 12th and approve the proceedings from April 5th.
Item 5: Request for uncontested continuances
Several items (9C1 K, 9D1 E, F, J, N, 9E1 H, I, P, 9F1 A) were requested to be stricken from the agenda due to owners having secured the properties.
Revocable Permits
Consideration of a revocable permit for the Southwest 29th Street Children's Day Festival.
Recess Council meeting and convene as the Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority
The council recessed to convene as the MFA.
Adjourn the MFA and convene as the Oklahoma City Public Property Authority
The MFA adjourned, and the PPA convened.
Adjourn the PPA and convene as the Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust
The PPA adjourned, and the EAT convened.
Reconvening the council meeting with the consent docket
The council reconvened to address the consent docket.
NW 23rd Street Project Update (AI)
Eric Winger provided an update on the third and final phase of the NW 23rd Street streetscape project, recommending Rudy Construction.
Tiff Allocation Presentation - Metro Technology Centers
Dennis Portis presented a proposal for $5 million in Tiff funding for upgrades to the Metro Tech campus at 4901 South Bryant Avenue.
Tiff Allocation Presentation - Oklahoma County
Stacey Trumble presented a request for Tiff assistance for various county facility improvement projects.
MAPS 3 Project - Hudson Street Rebuilding (AI)
Chris Savage presented plans for rebuilding Hudson Avenue from OKC Boulevard to I-40, including streetcar infrastructure.
Vote on Consent Docket
The council voted on the items listed in the consent docket.
Concurrence Docket
Consideration of items on the concurrence docket, including a presentation on the Water Trust commercial paper program.
Water Trust Commercial Paper Program Presentation
Marsha Slaughter presented proposed changes to the Water Trust commercial paper program, including an increased limit and a change in financing tool.
ABC Issue in Ward 6
An application for a Wing Stop Restaurant in Ward 6 was considered.
Item 2: Deferred Item
An item was deferred to April 26th.
Item 3: Spud in Ward 7
A spud to allow a fence company to occupy a site in Ward 7 was considered.
Item B: Ward 7 Issue
An item to bring a building in a utility easement in Ward 7 into compliance with city code was considered.
Item C: Public hearing regarding dilapidated structures list
A public hearing was held, and an extension was requested for 926 NE 17th Street due to probate issues.
Item 9d: Public hearing regarding unsecured structures
A public hearing was held regarding unsecured structures.
Item 9e: Public hearing regarding abandoned buildings
A public hearing was held regarding abandoned buildings.
Item 9f: Public hearing regarding the removal of properties from the abandoned buildings list
A public hearing was held regarding the removal of properties from the abandoned buildings list.
Item 9g: Claims recommended for denial
Claims recommended for denial were considered.
Item 10: Claims recommended for approval
Claims recommended for approval were considered.
Item 11 A1: Amendment regarding minimum parcel sizes for arches
An amendment proposed by Councilman White regarding minimum parcel sizes for placing arches on properties was considered.
Item 11 A2: Ordinance regarding minimum parcel sizes for arches
The ordinance related to the amendment on minimum parcel sizes for arches was considered.
Item 12: City Manager Reports - Revised Website Update
Zack Nash presented an update on the city's new website and mobile app redesign, highlighting improved accessibility and mobile-friendliness.
Citizens to be Heard
Joe Serge Nelson addressed the council regarding a complaint and potential lawsuit.