Meeting Summary
The City Council meeting included recognitions for outstanding teacher, employee, and a championship basketball team. Key decisions involved approving permits for two community events and two significant zoning requests, one for a business expansion and another for the Boat House Foundation's Lake Overholser project with an amendment for operating hours. Discussions also covered future solid waste collection strategies, the city's strong financial management, and initiatives to promote thriving neighborhoods, alongside the introduction of the proposed FY2016 budget.
Key Decisions & Votes
Teacher of the Month Recognition
05:00Resolution passed unanimously to commend Courtney Ruby of Western Heights Public School as May 2015 Teacher of the Month.
Employee of the Month Recognition
08:00Resolution passed unanimously to thank and commend Betty Johnson from the Utilities Department as May 2015 Employee of the Month.
Heritage Hall Boys State Basketball Championship
12:00Resolution passed unanimously to congratulate Heritage Hall on winning the 2015 Class 3A Boys State Basketball Championship.
Council Appointments
13:00Council voted unanimously to approve the appointments listed under Item 3D-G.
Mayor's Travel Expenses
13:20Resolution passed unanimously to cover the Mayor's travel expenses for lobbying Congress for transportation week.
Journal of Council Proceedings
13:50The journal proceedings for April 28th and April 21st were approved unanimously.
Uncontested Continuances
14:30Requests for uncontested continuances for various property maintenance issues were approved.
39th Street Jazzy Fest Revocable Permit
16:30The revocable permit for the 39th Street Jazzy Fest on May 16th was approved unanimously.
Kaiser's Classic Revocable Permit
18:30The revocable permit for Kaiser's Classic car and motorcycle show on May 23rd was approved unanimously.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority Items
19:00All five items under the OCMFA were approved unanimously.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority Items
19:30All three items under the OCPPA were approved unanimously.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust Presentation
36:00The motion to approve the presentation on Solid Waste Collection Services was passed unanimously.
Consent Docket
36:30The consent docket was approved unanimously.
Paycom Software Resolution
37:30Resolution to support Paycom Software's investment in Oklahoma City, potentially creating 423 new jobs, was adopted unanimously.
Zoning Case 9A: Dent Depot Expansion
44:00The zoning request for Dent Depot to expand its auto body shop at 7105 North May Avenue was approved unanimously, with a limited Spud allowing 13 uses.
Zoning Case 9B: Boat House Foundation Project
1:05:00The zoning request for the Boat House Foundation's Lake Overholser project at 3115 East Overholser Drive was approved with an amendment to limit operating hours to 8:00 PM.
Zoning Case 9C
1:05:30The item was approved unanimously.
Public Hearing 9D: Dilapidated Structures
1:05:50All items under the public hearing for dilapidated structures were approved unanimously.
Public Hearing 9E: Unsecured Structures
1:06:10All items under the public hearing for unsecured structures were approved unanimously.
Public Hearing 9F: Abandoned Buildings
1:06:30All items under the public hearing for abandoned buildings were approved unanimously.
Zoo Trust Item 9G
1:06:50The Zoo Trust item in compliance with state law was approved unanimously.
Salary Continuation Item 9H
1:07:00The salary continuation item was approved unanimously.
Salary Continuation Item 9I
1:07:10The salary continuation item was approved unanimously.
Item 9J
1:07:30The item was struck from the agenda.
Claims Recommended for Denial
1:07:50Claims recommended for denial were approved unanimously by the council, meaning the claims were denied.
Claims Recommended for Approval
1:08:00Claims recommended for approval were approved unanimously.
Upcoming Community Events
39th Street Jazzy Fest
11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., featuring a custom motorcycle show, two stages of music, food trucks, merchandise vendors, and a Kid Zone.
Kaiser's Classic
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., a classic car and motorcycle show at Kaiser's Diner in Midtown, with street closures, food, and ice cream.
Cinco de Mayo Festival
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on 25th Street, at the old Oklahoma Opery/Knob Hill theater.
Bike to Work Day
Celebration at the Myriad Gardens.
West River Trail Grand Opening
Big grand opening event.
Oklahoma Bike Summit
To be held in Stillwater.
Summerfield Annual Homeowners Association Meeting
At Spring Creek Baptist Church on North MacArthur, just south of 122nd, with a presentation on the new Northwest Wellness Center.
Wounded Warriors of Oklahoma Fundraiser
Scheduled at Margarita Island, but a noise permit for amplified music was denied.
Financial Matters
Mayor's Travel Expenses (Item 3H)
Resolution to cover the Mayor's overnight travel expenses for lobbying Congress on transportation week.
Paycom Software Resolution (Item 8B)
Resolution supporting Paycom Software's $16 million investment in a new building and equipment, expected to create 423 new jobs.
Solid Waste Collection Contracts
Study to develop requests for proposals for new collection contracts, including options for bag limits, single-stream recycling, and potential transfer station.
CDBG Fund Request (Meadow Cliff Housing)
Request for CDBG funds to improve Meadow Cliff, a HUD-financed senior housing facility.
Proposed Budget for FY2016
Introduction of the proposed FY2016 budget, with a total of $1.248 billion and a General Fund of $426 million. Includes $250,000 for additional nighttime Transit service and $250,000 for additional Street materials.
Quarterly Investment Report
Report on the city's quarterly investments.
Public Comments
Three citizens addressed the council. Topics included advocacy for bicycle-friendly initiatives and upcoming events, a request for reconsideration of a denied noise permit for a Wounded Warriors fundraiser, and a positive message of appreciation and support for police officers.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Property Maintenance Item 1615 Northeast 23rd Street (to be reworked)
- Property Maintenance Item 2542 Northwest 23rd Street (owner removed)
- Property Maintenance Item 3300 Southwest 51st Street (owner removed)
- Property Maintenance Item 1419 East Park (to be re-notified)
- Property Maintenance Item 3745 Northwest 11 Street (owner secured)
- Property Maintenance Item 1615 Northeast 23rd Street (to be reworked)
- Property Maintenance Item 2542 Northeast 23rd Street (owner removed)
Deadlines
- Solid Waste Collection RFP to be issued in May.
- Solid Waste Collection contract to be brought for approval in September.
- Fleet Maintenance RFP to be issued in late fall.
- Convention Center Hotel recommendation by July 1st.
- Comprehensive Plan adoption in June and July.
- Budget adoption scheduled for June 16th.
Watch For
- Potential transfer station RFP (Solid Waste).
- Discussion on increasing Park and median mowing frequency.
- Further details on health insurance cost increases in the budget.
- Evaluation of increasing the mill levy for bonds.
- Master plan for Overholser Lake area.
- Lobbying for CDBG funds for Meadow Cliff housing.
- Final decision on Convention Center site and hotel.
- Impact of low oil prices on sales tax revenue.
Announcements
- Courtney Ruby of Western Heights Public School recognized as May 2015 Teacher of the Month.
- Betty Johnson from the Utilities Department recognized as May 2015 Employee of the Month.
- Heritage Hall basketball team congratulated for winning the 2015 Class 3A Boys State Championship.
- Direct flight service from Oklahoma City to Seattle by Alaska Airlines was announced.
- Police awards banquet attended, honoring officers for their service.
- New Lincoln Golf Course structure at The First Tee praised as a great asset to Oklahoma City.
- Cinco de Mayo festival on 25th Street this evening, 5-9 PM.
- Ducks rescued from a storm sewer downtown at the corner of California and Walker.
- Summerfield Annual Homeowners Association meeting tonight at Spring Creek Baptist Church on North MacArthur, featuring a presentation on the new Northwest Wellness Center.
- May is Bicycle Month; a new master plan for bicycle and pedestrian transportation is starting.
- Bike to Work Day is May 15th, with a celebration at the Myriad Gardens.
- West River Trail grand opening is scheduled for June 13th.
- Oklahoma City was awarded honorable mention for its Bicycle Friendly Community application and is working towards bronze status.
- General Electric annual shareholders meeting held in Oklahoma City went well.
- Southern Republic leadership conference is upcoming.
- CVB reports solid bookings and strong interest in Oklahoma City for future conventions.
- Equine market is strong, with 8 World Championship shows now held in Oklahoma City.
- The Fab exhibit at the Museum of Art is expected to draw tremendous regional response.
- Chickasaw Nation's Adventure Road program is promoting I-35 attractions, with Oklahoma City participating.
- Hotel tax is up 4.5% for the year.
- New Animal Welfare superintendent is active in social media and outreach, with the live exit rate reaching 81% in December.
- May is Building Safety Month, with an event scheduled for this Saturday.
- Code enforcement staff attend neighborhood meetings, conduct sign sweeps, and partner with Neighborhood Alliance.
- An Abandoned Building Coalition has been formed.
- The Strong Neighborhoods Initiative, focusing on Classen Ten Pen, Classen's North Highland, and Culbertson's East Highland, has received $4 million in federal investment.
- Neighborhood Alliance received additional funding for a South Oklahoma City neighborhood capacity position.
- The proposed budget for FY2016 was introduced.
Agenda Summary
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Opening of the meeting with an invocation by Robbie Robertson and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilman Pettit.
Teacher of the Month Recognition
Recognition of Courtney Ruby of Western Heights Public School as May 2015 Teacher of the Month.
Employee of the Month Recognition
Recognition of Betty Johnson from the Utilities Department as May 2015 Employee of the Month.
Heritage Hall Boys State Championship Recognition
Recognition of the Heritage Hall basketball team for winning the 2015 Class 3A Boys State Championship.
Council Appointments (Items 3D-G)
Approval of various council appointments.
Mayor's Travel Resolution (Item 3H)
Resolution to cover the Mayor's travel expenses for lobbying Congress on transportation week.
Journal of Council Proceedings (Items 4A-B)
Receive journal for April 28th and approve journal for April 21st.
Request for Uncontested Continuances (Item 5)
Approval to strike or rework several property maintenance issues.
Revocable Permit 6A1: 39th Street Jazzy Fest
Request from 39th Street District Association to hold the 39th Street Jazzy Fest on May 16th.
Revocable Permit 6A2: Kaiser's Classic
Request from Kaiser's Diner LLC to hold Kaiser's Classic car and motorcycle show on May 23rd.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority Meeting
Five items discussed and voted upon during the OCMFA meeting.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority Meeting
Three items discussed and voted upon during the OCPPA meeting.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust Meeting
Presentation on Solid Waste Collection Services and future options, including survey results and RFP development.
Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative items.
Concurrence Docket Item 8B: Paycom Software Resolution
Resolution supporting Paycom Software's investment in a new building and equipment, expected to create 423 new jobs.
Zoning Case 9A: 7105 North May Avenue
Request to rezone from R1/C3 to Simplified PUD for Dent Depot expansion.
Zoning Case 9B: 3115 East Overholser Drive
Request to rezone from R1 to Simplified PUD for Boat House Foundation project, including adventure activities and retail.
Zoning Case 9C
Public hearing on a previously discussed item related to Doug Cupper.
Public Hearing 9D: Dilapidated Structures
Public hearing regarding several dilapidated structures.
Public Hearing 9E: Unsecured Structures
Public hearing regarding several unsecured structures.
Public Hearing 9F: Abandoned Buildings
Public hearing regarding several abandoned buildings.
Zoo Trust Item 9G
Item from the Zoo Trust in compliance with state law.
Salary Continuation Item 9H
Approval of a salary continuation item.
Salary Continuation Item 9I
Approval of a salary continuation item.
Item 9J
Item removed from the agenda.
Claims Recommended for Denial (Item 9K)
Approval of claims recommended for denial.
Claims Recommended for Approval (Item 10)
Approval of claims recommended for approval.
Council Items and Comments
Council members shared updates and opinions on various topics including urbanism, local events, and education.
City Manager Report: CVB Presentation
Presentation from the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau on tourism, hotel tax, and convention center hotel progress.
City Manager Report: Financial Management
Presentation on maintaining strong financial management, including external and internal indicators.
City Manager Report: Thriving Neighborhoods
Presentation on promoting thriving neighborhoods through housing, abandoned building programs, and code enforcement.
City Manager Report: Proposed Budget FY2016
Introduction of the proposed budget for fiscal year 2016, detailing revenues, expenditures, and new positions.
City Manager Report: Quarterly Investment Report
Presentation of the quarterly investment report.
Citizens to be Heard
Public comments from citizens on various topics.