Meeting Summary
The city council honored Municipal Judge Paige Price Morgan and proclaimed April as Oklahoma Standard Month and Litter Blitz Month. Key decisions included approving various appointments, revocable permits for community events, and increasing the Economic Development Trust's line of credit to $18 million for ongoing projects. Extensive discussion occurred regarding the convention center hotel, its potential public subsidy, and the process for selecting a developer and site.
Key Decisions & Votes
Resolution honoring Municipal Judge Paige Price Morgan
04:00Resolution passed unanimously to honor Judge Paige Price Morgan for her dedicated service to Oklahoma City as a municipal judge and assistant municipal counselor.
Deferral of Item 3D (Urban Renewal Authority Appointments)
09:50Motion to defer the appointments for the Urban Renewal Authority for one week failed with a 2-6 vote.
Appointments for Items 3C and 3E
10:20Appointments to various boards and commissions (excluding Urban Renewal Authority) were approved unanimously.
Appointments for Item 3D (Urban Renewal Authority)
10:40Appointments to the Urban Renewal Authority were approved unanimously after a failed deferral motion.
Upcoming Community Events
20th Anniversary Oklahoma City Bombing Ceremony
9:00 AM at the Memorial. Other community events, including a lunch and the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon on April 26.
Litter Blitz 2015
Community cleanup effort. Contact Oklahoma City Beautiful at okcbeautiful.com or by phone to register teams, receive supplies, and arrange trash pickup.
March for Babies
Starts at the Myriad Gardens. Participants can register online or by calling the March of Dimes office.
Financial Matters
Bricktown Infrastructure Improvements - Phase 1
Approval of funding for painting bridges, walkways, handrails, sidewalks, ramp improvements, stair improvements, and landscaping in Bricktown.
Bricktown Infrastructure Improvements - Phase 2 (Estimated)
Future estimated cost for lifts, elevators, additional landscaping, irrigation, and street lighting in Bricktown.
Increase Tax Anticipation Note Line of Credit
Approval to increase the Economic Development Trust's line of credit from $10 million to $18 million with JPMorgan Chase, extending maturity to June 30, 2016. This is for short-term cash flow for 16 projects exceeding $100 million in investment, with an annual interest rate of 0.77%.
Public Comments
Joe "Sarge" Nelson shared a personal story about his massive heart attack in 2009 and how the quick response of ambulance, fire, and police saved his life. He then recounted watching the movie "Backdraft" and reflected on the bravery and dedication of firefighters, emphasizing their training and readiness, and the human element behind the uniform. He mentioned presenting "Badge of Courage" plaques to the fire department in the past.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Further evaluation and negotiation of convention center hotel proposals, including public subsidy requirements and site selection (Cox Center site still under consideration).
- Public discussion during the budget process regarding differences between city and fire department insurance plans and potential for reintegration.
- Discussion on closing sections of downtown to automobile traffic once a month during summer to promote walkability and retail.
Announcements
- Resolution honoring Municipal Judge Paige Price Morgan, who passed away on February 27, 2015, for her extensive service to Oklahoma City.
- Proclamation of April 2015 as Oklahoma Standard Month, encouraging acts of service, kindness, and honor in remembrance of the OKC bombing's 20th anniversary.
- Proclamation of April as Litter Blitz 2015 month, encouraging citizens to participate in community cleanups organized by Oklahoma City Beautiful.
- Recognition of the Oklahoma City River lighting project (first MAPS 3 project completed) receiving an Award of Merit for innovative use of lighting controls and illumination from the International Illumination Society.
- Oklahoma City Police Department recognized for excellent crowd management during the opening night of Age & Eighth Industry Flea and Blue Garden.
- First-ever Animal Conference held at the Skirvin Hotel, sponsored by the Kirkpatrick Foundation, aiming for Oklahoma to be the best state for animal welfare by 2032.
- Whiz Kids 20th anniversary celebration, a program primarily staffed by faith-based volunteers tutoring and mentoring children.
- World Creativity Forum held at the Civic Center, highlighting Oklahoma City as one of only 13 centers of creativity globally.
- Firefighters Awards Banquet recognized valor and life-saving rescues by the fire department.
Agenda Summary
Resolution Honoring Municipal Judge Paige Price Morgan
A resolution recognizing the life and service of Judge Paige Price Morgan, who passed away on February 27, 2015.
Proclamation of April 2015 as Oklahoma Standard Month
A proclamation encouraging acts of service, kindness, and honor in remembrance of the 20th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing.
Proclamation of April as Litter Blitz 2015 Month
A proclamation encouraging citizens to participate in community cleanups organized by Oklahoma City Beautiful.
Item 3C: Appointments
Appointments to various city boards and commissions.
Item 3D: Urban Renewal Authority Appointments
Appointments to the Urban Renewal Authority.
Item 3E: Appointments
Appointments to various city boards and commissions.
Item 4A: Receive Journal of Council Proceedings
Receive the journal for March 24th.
Item 4B: Approve Journal of Council Proceedings
Approve the journal for March 17th.
Item 5: Request for Uncontested Continuances
Request to strike Item 9E 1, 2, and 3 from the agenda due to a tentative agreement with IAFF regarding the labor contract.
Item 6A1: Revocable Permit for March for Babies
Request from March of Dimes Foundation to hold the March for Babies event on Saturday, May 2nd, starting at the Myriad Gardens.
Item 6A2: Revocable Permit for The Color Run
Request for a revocable permit for The Color Run event in Ward 7.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority Items
Consideration of three items for the OCMFA.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority Items
Consideration of two items for the OCPA.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust Claims and Payroll
Consideration of claims and payroll for the OCEAT.
Item 7AM: Rejection of Bids for Municipal Courts Building
Rejection of bids for the municipal courts building due to being over budget and insufficient competitive bidding, leading to redesign and re-bidding.
Consent Docket
Approval of various routine items on the consent docket.
Concurrence Docket
Approval of items on the concurrence docket, including Bricktown Infrastructure Improvements.
Item 9A: Dilapidated Structures (Public Hearing)
Public hearing and consideration of a list of dilapidated structures, including a property at 2116 North Rhode Island.
Item 9B: Unsecured Structures (Public Hearing)
Public hearing and consideration of a list of unsecured structures.
Item 9C: Abandoned Buildings (Public Hearing)
Public hearing and consideration of a list of abandoned buildings.
Item 9D: Tax Anticipation Note (TAN)
Approval to increase the Economic Development Trust's line of credit from $10 million to $18 million with JPMorgan Chase, extending maturity to June 30, 2016, to manage cash flow for 16 ongoing projects.
Item 9G: Claims Recommended for Denial
Consideration of claims recommended for denial.
Item 10: Claims Recommended for Approval
Consideration of claims recommended for approval.