Meeting Summary
The City Council approved several zoning cases and financial matters, including the sale of general obligation bonds expected to save the city $3.3 million annually. A proposed ordinance for new development impact fees was tabled for 60 days to allow for further community input. The public hearing for an expanded aggressive panhandling ordinance generated extensive debate and will proceed to a final hearing with potential amendments.
Key Decisions & Votes
New Development Impact Fees Ordinance
56:00The proposed ordinance to institute new impact fees for parks/trails and streets was introduced. Following significant public opposition and council discussion, the public hearing was deferred for 60 days to March 29th, with final adoption scheduled for the first Tuesday in April, to allow for further community input and alternative proposals.
Aggressive Panhandling Ordinance
1:58:00The proposed expanded aggressive panhandling ordinance, which seeks to push solicitors further away from public places and schools, moved forward for a final hearing on February 9th. Council discussed potential amendments regarding distance from cafes and clarity of 'unwanted/uninvited' communication.
Upcoming Community Events
Red Bud Classic
The 34th annual event features cycling tours (10, 33, 50 miles), timed runs (5K, 10K), and a 2-mile walk. Proceeds benefit Peppers Ranch Foster Care Community. Registration is available at www.rb.org.
Financial Matters
Dynamic pricing for Lincoln Golf Course
A $2 fee increase was recommended for most activities at the Lincoln Golf Course, with a $1 increase for seniors. No change for juniors or school participants.
Proposed New Development Impact Fees
Introduction of new impact fees for parks/trails (estimated $2 million annually) and streets (estimated $6.7 million annually) to help fund infrastructure improvements. The public hearing for this was deferred.
Refunding of 2007 General Obligation Bonds
Authorization to refund approximately $38 million worth of 2007 bonds, expected to save the city an estimated $3.3 million annually.
Public Comments
Public comments were primarily focused on two main topics: the proposed impact fees and the aggressive panhandling ordinance. Speakers against impact fees expressed concerns about economic impact, fairness, and insufficient community input, requesting a delay. Speakers on the panhandling ordinance were divided, with some supporting it for safety reasons (especially near schools) and others opposing it due to concerns about criminalizing poverty, vagueness of language, and negative impacts on organizations like the Curbside Chronicle. One citizen also raised concerns about the streetcar project and alleged corruption.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Ordinance for new development impact fees (public hearing deferred to March 29th, final adoption to first Tuesday in April)
Deadlines
- Bond sale on February 9th
- New deadline for American Indian Cultural Center agreement with the state: March 15th
Watch For
- Final hearing on aggressive panhandling ordinance (February 9th), with potential amendments regarding distance from cafes and clarity of 'unwanted/uninvited' communication.
- Further discussions and agreements on the American Indian Cultural Center project details.
Announcements
- Friday, February 5th, was proclaimed National Wear Red Day in Oklahoma City to raise awareness about heart disease in women.
- Councilman Pete White was recognized as the outstanding citizen by the South Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce.
Agenda Summary
Journal for January 19th and January 12th
Receive the journal for January 19th and approve the journal for January 12th.
Request for uncontested continuances
Consideration of any uncontested continuances.
Revocable permits for Red Bud Classic
Consideration of revocable permits for the 34th annual Red Bud Classic event.
OK City Municipal Facilities Authority items
Consideration of two items for the OK City Municipal Facilities Authority.
OK City Public Property Authority items
Consideration of five items for the Oklahoma City Public Property Authority, including dynamic pricing for Lincoln Golf Course and an update on Centennial Land Run statues.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust claims and payroll
Consideration of claims and payroll for the Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust.
Consent Docket
Approval of items on the consent docket, including drainage projects, a trail at Southern Oaks Park, and the Water Utilities Trust annual financial report.
Concurrence Docket
Approval of items on the concurrence docket.
Zoning case, 8802 Southwest 44th Street
Rezone property from R1 Single Family Residential to R2 Medium Low Residential.
Zoning case, 16301 South Pennsylvania Avenue
Rezone property from DU Agricultural to a new Plan Unit Development (PUD) for commercial use.
Zoning case, 1700 Northwest 17th Street
Rezone property from an existing PUD to a new Simplified Planning Development (SPD) for an apartment complex to house foster children.
Zoning case, 12311 North May
Rezone property from C3 Community Commercial to a new Spud for a CVS Pharmacy, with minor eating establishment amendments.
Traffic Commission issue, Hatten Elementary School
Consideration of a traffic commission issue related to Hatten Elementary School.
Traffic Commission issue, Northwest 15th Street and Billen
Consideration of a traffic commission issue near Northwest 15th Street and Billen.
Introduction of ordinance for new development impact fees (parks/trails and streets)
Introduction of an ordinance to institute new development impact fees for parks/trails and streets.
Public hearing regarding dilapidated structures
Public hearing concerning various dilapidated structures.
Public hearing regarding unsecured structures
Public hearing concerning various unsecured structures.
Public hearing regarding abandoned buildings
Public hearing concerning various abandoned buildings.
Public hearing regarding removal of property from the abandoned building list
Public hearing concerning two items for removal of property from the abandoned building list.
Sale of general obligation bonds
Authorization for the sale of general obligation bonds to refund 2007 bonds, expected to save the city approximately $3.3 million annually.
Resolution concerning relationship with American Indian Cultural Center and Chickasaw Nation
Consideration of a joint resolution outlining general terms for the Chickasaw Nation's participation in completing and operating the American Indian Cultural Center.
Claims recommended for denial
Consideration of claims recommended for denial.
Claims recommended for approval
Consideration of claims recommended for approval.
Public hearing on aggressive panhandling ordinance
Public hearing for an expanded aggressive panhandling ordinance, proposing increased distance restrictions from public places and schools.