Meeting Summary
The City Council proclaimed February as Allied Arts Month and recognized Amy Armstrong as Teacher of the Month. Key discussions included an amendment to the aggressive panhandling ordinance, which was introduced for a public hearing, and an extensive update on the Embark public transportation system, highlighting ridership growth, service improvements, and future expansions like night bus service and streetcar planning. Public comments focused heavily on the recent Holtzclaw police misconduct case and calls for police oversight and anti-violence initiatives.
Key Decisions & Votes
Allied Arts Month Proclamation
0:04:00Proclaimed February 2016 as Allied Arts Month in Oklahoma City.
Teacher of the Month Resolution
0:10:00Recognized Amy Armstrong as January 2016 Teacher of the Month.
Journal Approval
0:11:40Approved the journals for January 12th and January 5th.
Cupid's Undy Run Permit
0:14:00Granted a revocable permit for Cupid Charities to hold the Cupid's Undy Run on February 13th.
Run Lucky 5K Permit
0:16:00Granted a revocable permit for DG Productions to hold the Run Lucky 5K on March 6th.
MFA, PPA, OCEAT Claims and Payroll
0:17:00Approved claims and payroll for the Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority, Public Property Authority, and Environmental Assistance Trust.
Consent Docket
0:20:00Approved all items on the consent docket, including public art for police headquarters, National Register nomination for Sunshine Cleaners, and street/sidewalk repairs in Ward 6.
Collective Bargaining Agreement with FOP
0:21:00Approved the collective bargaining agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police.
Item 9c
0:22:00Approved an item requiring a separate vote.
Item 9d
0:22:15Approved an item requiring a separate vote.
Item 9e
0:22:30Approved an item requiring a separate vote.
Claims Recommended for Denial
0:23:00Approved the claims recommended for denial.
Claims Recommended for Approval
0:23:30Approved the claims recommended for approval.
Panhandling Ordinance Amendment Introduction
0:24:00Introduced an amendment to the aggressive panhandling ordinance (sections 30-428 and 30-430) to prohibit panhandling within 50 feet of elementary schools. A public hearing is set for January 26th.
Upcoming Community Events
Allied Arts Month Kickoff
National Cowboy Western Heritage Museum
Cupid's Undy Run
Downtown, starting at Wormy Dog Saloon
Run Lucky 5K and Mission Mile Fun Run
Oklahoma Dental Association Free Dental Care
Cox Convention Center
Financial Matters
Allied Arts Fundraising Goal
Goal for the 45th year of Allied Arts campaign.
Ward 6 Street Resurfacing/Repair/Sidewalks
Series of 23 locations in Ward 6 receiving street resurfacing, repair, and sidewalk placement.
Streetcar Operations Budget
Estimated annual budget for streetcar operations.
Hall Pass Program
Unlimited bus pass for middle and high school students, an 80% discount from normal monthly pass price.
Public Comments
Public comments primarily revolved around the recent Holtzclaw police misconduct case, with calls for an independent police oversight board, addressing violence against women, and improving community-police relations. Concerns were also raised about the treatment of victims and the need for systemic change.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Item 9A (deferred to February 9th)
Watch For
- Public hearing on panhandling ordinance amendment (January 26th)
- Final hearing on panhandling ordinance amendment (February 9th)
- Expansion of night bus service (Routes 5 & 13 beginning January 25th)
- Streetcar operations planning and operator selection (through 2017 for 2018 launch)
- Discussion on SoonerCare/Medicaid expansion
- Police and Community Trust Summit
Announcements
- February 2016 proclaimed Allied Arts Month in Oklahoma City.
- Amy Armstrong recognized as January 2016 Teacher of the Month.
- Oklahoma Dental Association to provide free dental care on February 5th and 6th at the Cox Convention Center.
- Martin Luther King celebration events were a success.
- Embark transit system update highlighted ridership growth, improved frequency, night service expansion, free Wi-Fi on buses, and bus stop upgrades.
Agenda Summary
Item 4a
Receive the journal for January 12th.
Item 4b
Approve the journal for January 5th.
Item 5
Request for uncontested continuances.
Item 6a
Revocable Right-of-Way Use Permit with Cupid Charities to hold the Cupid's Undy Run.
Item 6b
Revocable Right-of-Way Use Permit with DG Productions to hold the Run Lucky 5K and Mission Mile Fun Run.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA)
Claims and payroll.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPPA)
Claims and payroll.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (OCEAT)
Claims and payroll.
Consent Docket
Various items including public art for police headquarters, Sunshine Cleaners National Register nomination, and Ward 6 street/sidewalk repairs.
Item 9a
Deferred item from previous meeting.
Item 9b
Collective bargaining agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police.
Item 9c
Item requiring a separate vote.
Item 9d
Item requiring a separate vote.
Item 9e
Item requiring a separate vote.
Item 9f
Item requiring a separate vote.
Item 9g
Claims recommended for denial.
Item 10a
Claims recommended for approval.
Item 11
Introduction of an amendment to the aggressive panhandling ordinance.