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City Council Meeting

September 1, 2015 City Council Meeting

September 1, 2015 Oklahoma City, OK
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Meeting Summary

TL;DR

The City Council meeting covered a wide range of topics, including economic development updates, various proclamations, and several zoning cases. Key discussions revolved around the future of the county jail, the development of the MAPS 3 Park, and the implementation of body-worn cameras for police officers. The council also approved several revocable permits for community events and discussed the city's purchasing policies.

Key Decisions & Votes

MAPS 3 Park Preliminary Draft Report

01:05:00

The preliminary draft report for the Upper Park of the MAPS 3 Park was approved, allowing the project to move forward with plans and specifications. This includes features like a Great Lawn, a lake, a promenade, and a civic fountain, with an estimated completion by the end of 2018 and opening in spring 2019.

Approved

Texting While Driving Ordinance

01:39:00

An ordinance aligning city law with state law regarding texting while driving was approved, bringing the city into compliance with the new state legislation.

Passed unanimously

Changing Lanes Ordinance

01:39:40

An ordinance to bring city codes into compliance with a new state law regarding changing lanes was approved.

Passed unanimously

Western Avenue Business District Ordinance

01:40:20

An ordinance related to the Western Avenue business district was approved during its final hearing.

Passed unanimously

Street Improvement Assessment District Ordinance

01:40:50

An ordinance to create a street improvement assessment district was approved.

Passed unanimously

Police Body-Worn Camera Policy

01:54:00

A resolution approving the police policy on the use of body-worn cameras was passed, with discussions around privacy concerns and supervisor monitoring.

Passed 6 to 1

Police Officers Working in Moore Public Schools

01:54:40

A resolution authorizing city police officers to work within the city limits of Moore for the Moore Public School System was approved.

Passed unanimously

Retired Firefighters Insurance Program

01:55:00

A resolution to bring retired firefighters back into the city's insurance program, as requested by the Voluntary Employee Benefits Association (VEBA), was approved.

Passed unanimously

Distribution of Fund Balance for Street Resurfacing

01:44:00

A resolution for the distribution of fund balance, specifically for street resurfacing, was approved. Discussions highlighted the importance of committing these funds solely to street improvements.

Passed unanimously

Upcoming Community Events

October 3rd

Rugged Maniac 5K

To be hosted by Rugged Races LLC at 3501 Northeast 10th, Oklahoma City. It's a non-traditional 5K with obstacles.

September 12th

Walk to End Alzheimer's

Hosted by the Alzheimer's Association Oklahoma Chapter at Bricktown Ballpark, expecting 5,000 attendees. Route is less than two miles.

September 2nd

Glidden Tour Car Display

Hosted by the Antique Automobile Club of America's Oki Region. Broadway between 6th and 9th Street will be closed for public viewing of 130 pre-1942 automobiles. Raising money for the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition.

September 26th

Down Syndrome Festival and 5K

Hosted by the Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma. Expecting 6,000 people for the festival and 350 runners. Road closure in front of the ballpark from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

September 26th

Robert Brady Memorial 5K

Hosted by Farmers Help Point. Evening 5K starting at 7:00 p.m. All funds support the United Way of Central Oklahoma. Rockwell from 133rd to Francis Tuttle campus will be closed for approximately 3 hours.

September 6th

Wiggle Out Loud

Hosted by Kint Events Incorporated at Centennial Park, in front of the Civic Center. Family-friendly children's music festival from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Road closures on North Walker Avenue from Couch to Cord from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

September 12th

Mesta Festa

Hosted by the Mesta Park Neighborhood Association on Northwest 18th Street.

September 26th

Plaza District Festival

Hosted by the Plaza District Association from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Streets from Indiana to Blackwelder on 16th Street will be closed for artist booths, food trucks, live music, and kids activities.

September 19th

WestFest

Hosted by the Western Avenue Association on Western Avenue between 41st and 43rd Street. Inaugural street festival event, with street closure from 4:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. the next morning.

Financial Matters

Lantana Property Abatement Costs

Over $72,000 has been expended on abatement actions for the Lantana property since 2008 due to numerous violations. The property owner has been paying back taxes and leans to avoid tax sales.

$72,000

Estimated Demolition Cost for Lantana

Estimated cost to clean the entire Lantana project, including demolition of fire-damaged buildings and other deteriorating structures, due to asbestos abatement and demolition.

$1.5 million to $2 million

August Sales Tax Check

The August sales tax check was 3.3% over the last year, and use tax was 2.4% over the last year. The city is still a couple of percent below target for the year.

Public Comments

3 citizens spoke

Three citizens spoke during the public comments section. Topics included concerns about drainage ditch maintenance, a call for a MAPS for neighborhoods initiative focusing on connectivity and community investment, and support for the texting while driving ordinance.

Drainage and infrastructure maintenance MAPS for neighborhoods and community investment Texting while driving ordinance

Coming Up

Tabled

  • Zoning case PC 10405 (9 A4) deferred until September 15th.
  • Zoning case Spud 829 (9 A1) deferred until September 15th.
  • Zoning case Spud 825 (9 B1) deferred until September 29th.
  • Zoning case 9 a11 deferred for 2 weeks, will rejoin on September 15th.

Deadlines

  • Public hearing for fishing regulations ordinance on September 15th, with final adoption scheduled for September 29th.

Watch For

  • Further discussions and potential action on the county jail, focusing on comprehensive solutions beyond just building a facility.
  • Continued development of the MAPS 3 Park, with the Lower Park preliminary design report to be presented in coming months.
  • The Oklahoma City Dodgers' playoff run, with potential home games next Friday.
  • A workshop in October on abandoned and vacant buildings, aiming to present a white paper to the council.
  • A developer from Texas, Eureka Holding Company, seeking support for tax credits to rehabilitate the Terrace Apartments on North 10th Street.

Announcements

  • September is Adult Literacy Month, with Community Literacy Centers of Oklahoma City recognized for serving over 37,000 adults.
  • September is Senior Center Month, recognizing the contributions of senior centers and their participants. Will Rogers facility will host a free health assessment day on September 15th.
  • Verizon presented the City of Oklahoma City with the Smart City Award for its innovative use of technology.
  • Michael Burn from the Oklahoma City Dodgers provided an update on their successful first season, including high attendance and a playoff push.
  • Lesan Thompson was introduced as the new Courts Administrator.
  • Councilman Pettis thanked Oklahoma Watch for hosting a forum on police and minority communities and discussed the need for increased diversity in police and fire departments.

Agenda Summary

Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

Led by Pastor Kevin Hanel and Councilman Griner.

Information Only

Verizon Smart City Award Presentation

Christy Crum, President of Verizon's South Region, presented the award to Oklahoma City for its innovation in smart city technology.

Information Only

Adult Literacy Month Proclamation

Proclamation of September 2015 as Adult Literacy Month, with a presentation by Becky Odell from Community Literacy Centers of Oklahoma City.

Information Only

Senior Center Month Proclamation

Proclamation of September 2015 as Senior Center Month, with a presentation by Doug Cupper from the Parks Department.

Information Only

Economic Development Update

Roy Williams, President of the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, provided an update on the Innovation District, county jail, economic environment, and Boeing/Tinker Aerospace.

Information Only

Appointments (C, D, E, F)

Series of appointments to various boards and commissions.

Approved

Mayor's Travel Expenses (G)

Approval for the Mayor's travel expenses to attend the US Conference of Mayors fall leadership meeting.

Approved

Journal of Council Proceedings (4A, 4B)

Receive journal for August 18th and approve journal for August 4th.

Approved

Request for Uncontested Continuances (5)

Several items deferred to future council meetings.

Approved

Revocable Permit for Rugged Maniac 5K (6A)

Request from Rugged Races LLC to host a 5K on October 3rd.

Approved

Revocable Permit for Walk to End Alzheimer's (6B1)

Request from the Alzheimer's Association Oklahoma Chapter to hold an event on September 12th.

Approved

Revocable Permit for Glidden Tour Car Display (6B2)

Request from the Antique Automobile Club of America's Oki Region to host a car display on September 2nd.

Approved

Revocable Permit for Down Syndrome Festival and 5K (6B3)

Request from the Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma to host an event on September 26th.

Approved

Revocable Permit for Robert Brady Memorial 5K (6B4)

Request from Farmers Help Point to host a 5K on September 26th.

Approved

Revocable Permit for Wiggle Out Loud (6B5)

Request from Kint Events Incorporated to host a children's music festival on September 6th.

Approved

Revocable Permit for Mesta Festa (6B6)

Request from the Mesta Park Neighborhood Association to hold a festival on September 12th.

Approved

Revocable Permit for Plaza District Festival (6B7)

Request from the Plaza District Association to host a festival on September 26th.

Approved

Revocable Permit for WestFest (6B8)

Request from the Western Avenue Association to hold a festival on September 19th.

Approved

Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (MFA) Items

Seven items on the MFA agenda, including an update on the Lantana property.

Approved

Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (PPA) Items

Four items on the PPA agenda.

Approved

Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (EAT) Items

Two items on the EAT agenda.

Approved

Consent Docket

Bulk of the consent docket items, excluding item BN.

Approved

MAPS 3 Park Preliminary Draft Report (BN)

Presentation and approval of the preliminary draft report for the Upper Park of the MAPS 3 Park.

Approved

Concurrence Docket

Items on the concurrence docket.

Approved

Zoning Case 9 A1 (ABC issue)

ABC issue in Ward 2 at 459 Northwest 23rd Street.

Approved

Zoning Case 9 A2 (ABC issue)

ABC issue in Ward 6 at 201 North Walker Avenue.

Approved

Zoning Case 9 A3 (ABC issue)

ABC issue in Ward 1 on Northwest Expressway near Rockwell.

Approved

Zoning Case 9 A4

Zoning case in Ward 5 at 9321 South Santa Fe.

Deferred

Zoning Case 9 A5

Zoning case in Ward 3 at 42000 South Morgan Road, changing from AA to R1.

Approved

Zoning Case 9 A6

Zoning case in Ward 2 at 38 Northwest 69th Street, changing from R1 to I2.

Approved

Zoning Case 9 A7

Zoning case in Ward 7 at 437 Northwest 106th Street, changing from R1 and I1 to new I2.

Approved

Zoning Case 9 A8

Zoning case in Ward 7 at 9000 Broadway Extension, consolidating R1, C4, I1, and I2 into a new PUD.

Approved

Zoning Case 9 A9

Zoning case in Ward 7 at 3800 East Hefner Road, consolidating AA, C3, and CHC into a new PUD.

Approved

Zoning Case 9 A10

Zoning case in Ward 4 at 3925 Southeast 59th Street, changing from R1 to a PUD.

Approved

Zoning Case 9 A11

Zoning case deferred for two weeks.

Deferred

Zoning Case 9 A12

Zoning case in Ward 5 at 8900 South Douglas Avenue, changing from R1 to a simplified PUD.

Approved

Zoning Case 9 A13

Zoning case in Ward 5 at 515 Southwest 149th Street, changing from AA to a new Spud.

Approved

Zoning Case 9 A14

Zoning case in Ward 6 at 3033 Southwest 14th Street, changing from R1 to a new Spud with a Scenic River overlay.

Approved

Zoning Case 9 A15

Zoning case in Ward 3 at 14308 South Meridian Avenue, changing from I2 to a new Spud with an airport overlay.

Approved

Zoning Case 9 A16

Zoning case in Ward 2 at 4514 Northwestern Avenue, changing from C4 to a new Spud.

Approved

Zoning Case 9 A17

Zoning case in Ward 7 at 214 East Main Street and 26 East Main Street, in the Bricktown core district, to a new Spud.

Approved

Zoning Case 9 B1

Zoning case deferred until September 29th.

Deferred

Zoning Case 9 B2

Zoning case withdrawn from the agenda.

Withdrawn

Ordinance on Texting While Driving (9C)

Final hearing for an ordinance aligning city law with state law on texting while driving.

Approved

Ordinance on Changing Lanes (9D)

Final hearing for an ordinance bringing city codes into compliance with state law on changing lanes.

Approved

Ordinance on Western Avenue Business District (9E)

Final hearing for an ordinance related to the Western Avenue business district.

Approved

Ordinance on Street Improvement Assessment District (9F)

Final hearing for an ordinance creating a street improvement assessment district.

Approved

Ordinances on Street Improvement Assessment Districts (9G, 9H)

Final hearing for two ordinances related to street improvement assessment districts in Northwest Oklahoma City.

Approved

Traffic Commission Items (9I1, 9I2)

Two parking issues in Ward 8, allowing 90-degree and handicap parking.

Approved

Traffic Commission Item (9I3)

Parking issue in Ward 7 concerning metered parking on East Sheridan.

Approved

Ordinance on Fishing Regulations (9J)

Introduction of an ordinance to update city fishing regulations to align with state law.

Approved

Public Hearing on Dilapidated Structures (9K)

Public hearing regarding various dilapidated structures.

Approved

Public Hearing on Unsecured Structures (9L)

Public hearing regarding various unsecured structures.

Approved

Public Hearing on Abandoned Buildings (9M)

Public hearing regarding various abandoned buildings.

Approved

Public Hearing on Removal from Abandoned Building List (9N)

Public hearing regarding properties to be removed from the abandoned building list.

Approved

City's Purchasing Policies (9O)

Update and approval of changes to the city's purchasing policies, including electronic bidding and professional consultant selection.

Approved

Resolution on Distribution of Fund Balance (9P)

Resolution for the distribution of fund balance for street resurfacing.

Approved

Resolution on Police Body-Worn Cameras (9Q)

Resolution approving the police policy on the use of body-worn cameras.

Approved

Resolution on Police Officers in Moore Public Schools (9R)

Resolution authorizing police officers to work in Moore Public School System.

Approved

Resolution on Retired Firefighters Insurance (9S)

Resolution to bring retired firefighters back into the city's insurance program.

Approved

Executive Session Item (9T)

Item for potential executive session.

Approved

Executive Session Item (9U)

Item for potential executive session.

Approved

Executive Session Item (9V)

Item moved to executive session.

Moved to Executive Session

Executive Session Item (9W)

Item moved to executive session.

Moved to Executive Session

Claims Recommended for Denial (10)

List of claims recommended for denial.

Approved

Claims Recommended for Approval (10A1)

List of claims recommended for approval.

Approved

Items from Council (11A)

Item from Councilman Pettis for final hearing.

Approved