Meeting Summary
The city council approved several revocable permits for community events, including the Gatewood Gator 5K and the 8th & H Night Market. Key financial decisions included the successful sale of $85.6 million in bonds at a favorable rate and the reallocation of funds for a small economic development loan program and school improvements under the MAPS for Kids initiative. A new street lighting policy was adopted to address mid-block lighting and allow for new technologies.
Key Decisions & Votes
Gatewood Gator 5K Revocable Permit
05:40Allowed Gatewood Elementary to host its 5K event to raise funds for playground improvements.
8th & H Night Market Revocable Permit
09:40Permitted the 8th & H Night Market to proceed monthly from March to October, aiming to draw people downtown.
MAPS for Kids Program Implementation Plan Amendment
30:00Reprogrammed excess funds from the MAPS for Kids program to add classrooms and a gymnasium at Chavez Elementary and make improvements at Moon Elementary.
Oklahoma Christian University Zoning Update
39:20Updated the planned unit development zoning for Oklahoma Christian University to accommodate critical student housing needs and future growth.
Closing a Portion of 52nd Street for Science Museum
46:00Approved the closure of 52nd Street to convert it into a pedestrian way, enhancing visitor safety and access for the Science Museum of Oklahoma.
Emergency Clause for 52nd Street Closure
50:40Passed the emergency clause to expedite the process for the Science Museum's street closure, allowing immediate filing with district court.
Street Lighting Policy Update
1:05:00Adopted a revised street lighting policy that allows for more mid-block lighting, accommodates new LED technologies, and adjusts financial limitations.
General Obligation Bond Sale
1:12:00Approved the sale of $85,595,000 in general obligation bonds at a favorable interest rate of 2.665966%.
Emergency Clause for Bond Sale
1:13:40Passed the emergency clause to allow immediate finalization of the bond sale deals.
Upcoming Community Events
Gatewood Gator 5K
To raise money for pre-K playground equipment at Gatewood Elementary, 1821 NW 21st.
8th & H Night Market
Hudson from 6th to 10th Street, includes OCU Law School opening and Industrial Flea.
OKC Garden Festival
Farmers Market.
Ready Gazette Go Festival
Myriad Gardens, health and fitness festival with food trucks, cooking demonstrations, and activities.
Open Streets
Northwest 23rd Street between Robinson and Western, attracted 25-30,000 people for biking, skating, pickleball, and chess.
Financial Matters
ASPCA Grant
Acceptance of a grant for an employee scholarship to an animal welfare conference.
Small Economic Development Loan Fund
Reallocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Strategic Neighborhoods Initiative (SNI) dollars to create a small lending program for micro-enterprises.
MAPS for Kids Program Implementation Plan Amendment
Reprogramming excess funds (mostly from IT savings) to add classrooms and a gymnasium at Chavez Elementary (over $4 million) and make improvements at Moon Elementary (over $1.5 million).
General Obligation Bond Sale
Sale of general obligation bonds at a low interest rate of 2.665966%.
Sales Tax Collection Report (March)
Sales tax collections for March were 3.9% over last year, keeping the city on target year-to-date.
Coming Up
Watch For
- EMSA/AMR service quality update (expected in 2-3 months)
- Future bond issue for softball facility
- New lighting policy updates (on a more regular basis)
Announcements
- Pastor McKee's church is now offering Hispanic and American Indian services.
- The Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority, Public Property Authority, and Environmental Assistance Trust meetings were held and adjourned.
- The city's financial advisors and bond counsel were recognized for their work on the bond sale.
- The city is well-prepared for storm season, with fire, police, and emergency responders doing a great job.
- The OU Institute for Quality Communities held a successful placemaking day in Norman.
- The Riversport Rapids project is 33-35% complete, with significant progress on the pump station, channels, and main building. A site camera is available on the boathouse website.
Agenda Summary
Item 3a, 3b
Appointments.
Item 4a
Receive journal for March 17th.
Item 4b
Approve journal for March 10th.
Item 5a1
Revocable permit.
Item 5a2
Request from Gatewood Elementary School to hold the Gatewood Gator 5K.
Item 5a3
Request from 8th & H to hold the 8th & H Night Market.
Item 5a4
Request from OK Garden Fest to host the OKC Garden Festival.
Item 5a5
Request from Tierra Media to host the Ready Gazette Go Festival.
Item 6
Request for uncontested continuances, including striking several items due to owner compliance.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA) items
Three items for the OCMFA.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPPA) items
Five items for the OCPPA, including discussion on softball facility funding.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (OCEAT) items
Claims and payroll for the OCEAT.
Consent Docket
Multiple items, including grants, loan funds, and property declarations.
Concurrence Docket
Fourteen items.
Item 9a1
Zoning case at 2501 East Memorial Road for Oklahoma Christian University to update PUD for student housing and future growth.
Item 9a2
Zoning case at 10400 Northeast 150th Street to change from AA agricultural to new PUD.
Item 9a3
Zoning case at 12205 Southwestern Avenue to change from AA agricultural to new Simplified Planning Development to add 5 new buildings with 40 units.
Item 9b1
Request for a drainage easement in Ward 8.
Item 9b2
To close a portion of 52nd Street to create a pedestrian way for the Science Museum of Oklahoma.
Item 9c
Final hearing on fee adjustment on parks.
Item 9d
Companion item to the parks fee adjustment.
Item 9e
General Obligation Bond Sale for $85,595,000.
Item 9f
Companion item to the bond sale.
Item 9g
Public hearing regarding dilapidated structures.
Item 9h
Public hearing regarding unsecured structures.
Item 9i
Public hearing regarding abandoned buildings.
Item 9j
Presentation on street lighting policy update, including mid-block lighting, fixture types, and financial limitations.
Item 9k
Resolution.
Item 9l
Resolution.
Item 9m
Executive session.
Item 9n
Item struck from the agenda.
Item 9o
Claims recommended for denial.