Meeting Summary
The City Council approved an additional $3 million for the MAPS 3 streetcar project to extend the route to the new Convention Center and Park, creating a two-route system. The meeting also included a recognition of the February 2016 Teacher of the Month and a significant gift from the Community Foundation for a city park tree inventory. Various city departments presented updates on public safety and financial matters.
Key Decisions & Votes
Teacher of the Month Recognition
05:00Resolution recognizing Kevin McDonald as February 2016 Teacher of the Month was unanimously approved.
Council Appointments
06:00Appointments to various boards and commissions were unanimously approved.
Journal of Council Proceedings
06:30The journal for February 9th was received, and the journals for January 26th and February 2nd were approved.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (MFA) Items
07:30Four items on the MFA agenda were unanimously approved.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (PPA) Items
08:00Three items on the PPA agenda were unanimously approved.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (EAT) Items
08:30Two items on the EAT agenda were unanimously approved.
Consent Docket
22:00The consent docket, including several items, was unanimously approved after discussion on specific items.
Concurrence Docket
22:30Two items on the concurrence docket were unanimously approved.
MAPS 3 Streetcar Route Extension
1:07:00The recommended Option 3, a boulevard reroute with a Sheridan turnback, was approved by a 7-2 vote. This option extends the streetcar to the Convention Center and Park, creating two separate routes and requiring an additional $3 million.
Executive Session
1:07:30A motion to move into executive session was unanimously approved.
Upcoming Community Events
Citizen CPR Program
Offered by the Fire Department to citizens, available at facilities or for neighborhood/church groups.
Financial Matters
Community Foundation Gift for Tree Inventory
A gift from the Community Foundation ($92,000) and the State Forester ($25,800) to hire Davy Tree Resources for a complete inventory of city park trees and boulevards.
MAPS 3 Streetcar Route Extension
An additional $3 million is needed from the overall MAPS 3 contingency budget to implement the recommended streetcar route extension.
General Obligation Bond Refunding
Refunding of the 2007 GO bonds, saving approximately $500,000 per year over 11 years, totaling about $5 million in today's dollars.
Public Comments
Public comments focused on the lack of public awareness and debate regarding the Quarter Shore Tiff, concerns about the escalating costs and long-term maintenance of the streetcar, and allegations of council members' financial interests in properties related to city projects.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Final plans and specifications for The Quiet Zone are being advertised for bid, with completion hoped for early 2016.
- Resolutions for the annual GO Bond and GO Sale are expected next week.
- A vote on the Quarter Shore Tiff, a $400 million policy initiative, is scheduled for next week.
Announcements
- Kevin McDonald, English teacher at Memorial High School, was recognized as February 2016 Teacher of the Month.
- The Community Foundation, with the Catric family trust and Voids trust, provided a $92,000 gift, supplemented by $25,800 from the State Forester, for a comprehensive tree inventory in city parks and boulevards.
- Overwhelming response to the Senior Wellness Center, with membership program development underway.
- Police Department presented on efforts to provide a safe and secure community, including crime statistics and response times.
- Fire Department presented on response times for fire and EMS incidents.
- MSA presented on response time compliance for Priority One emergencies and paramedic staffing.
- Annual Consolidated Debt Report presented, showing the city's low to moderate debt load and AAA rating.
- Update on the general obligation refunding of 2007 GO bonds, resulting in a $5 million savings for citizens.
Agenda Summary
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Led by Donald Wolf from St. Eugene Catholic Church and Councilman Griner.
Teacher of the Month Recognition
Recognition of Kevin McDonald, English teacher at Memorial High School, as February 2016 Teacher of the Month by Edmund Public Schools Foundation and Rotary Club of Oklahoma City.
Appointments (3 B and C)
Council appointments to various boards and commissions.
Journal of Council Proceedings (4 A and B)
Receive journal for February 9th and approve journal for January 26th and February 2nd.
Request for uncontested continuances (Item 5)
No requests for uncontested continuances.
Revocable permits (Item 6)
No revocable permits to consider.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (MFA)
Four items on the MFA agenda.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (PPA)
Three items on the PPA agenda.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (EAT)
Two items on the EAT agenda.
Consent Docket
Consideration of the consent docket, with specific discussion on items G2, W, E, and U.
Concurrence Docket
Consideration of two items on the concurrence docket.
MAPS 3 Streetcar Route
Presentation and vote on the recommended extension of the MAPS 3 streetcar route to the Convention Center and Park.
Executive Session (Item 9B)
Opportunity to enter into executive session.
Items from Council (Item 10)
Council members shared brief updates and comments.
City Manager Reports (Item 11)
Presentations on providing a safe and secure community by Police, Fire, and MSA, and an update on the annual debt report and general obligation refunding.
Citizens to be Heard (Item 12)
Public comments from citizens.