Meeting Summary
The City Council proclaimed March 22, 2015, as Open Streets OKC Day. The meeting included unanimous approval of numerous consent docket items and various public hearings. Detailed briefings were provided by the Police, Fire, and EMSA departments on community safety priorities, crime statistics, and emergency response times, followed by public comments on urban development and gun control.
Key Decisions & Votes
Open Streets OKC Day Proclamation
01:40The City of Oklahoma City proclaimed March 22, 2015, as Open Streets OKC Day to promote active transportation and community ties.
Journal Approval
05:00The journal of council proceedings for March 3rd was approved.
OCMFA Items
06:20All five items on the Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority agenda were passed unanimously.
OCPPA Items
06:50Both items on the Oklahoma City Public Property Authority agenda were passed unanimously, with a note on debt management policy.
OCEAT Items
07:30All three items on the Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust agenda were passed unanimously.
Consent Docket
07:50The consent docket, comprising multiple routine items, was passed unanimously.
Alley Closure Ordinance
08:20An ordinance to close an alley for the 499 project was passed unanimously.
Parks Department Fee Adjustments
08:45Fee adjustments in the parks department, following a public hearing, were passed unanimously.
Dilapidated Structures Public Hearing
09:05Items under the public hearing regarding dilapidated structures were passed unanimously.
Unsecured Structures Public Hearing
09:20Items under the public hearing regarding unsecured structures were passed unanimously.
Abandoned Buildings Public Hearing
09:35Items under the public hearing regarding abandoned buildings were passed unanimously.
Executive Session for Water Efforts
09:50The agenda item for an executive session to discuss water efforts was struck as it was not needed.
Claims Recommended for Denial
10:10Claims recommended for denial were unanimously denied by the council.
Claims Recommended for Approval
10:25Claims recommended for approval were unanimously approved by the council.
Street Name Change
10:40A resolution to change a street name in the area of Plaza Mayor (formerly Crossroads mall) was passed unanimously.
Upcoming Community Events
Open Streets OKC Day
Noon to 4:00 PM on Northwest 23rd Street between Western and Robinson. Encourages non-motorized activity like walking, biking, skating, or boarding.
Financial Matters
Claims recommended for denial
Various claims recommended for denial by the council.
Claims recommended for approval
Various claims recommended for approval by the council.
Local Business Subcontracting Update
Report on local business subcontracting, showing 94% on Geo Bond projects and 86% on MAPS for Kids projects. 'Local' is defined as contractors/subcontractors with addresses in Oklahoma, Canadian, Cleveland, Kingfisher, Logan, McClain, and Pottawatomie counties.
Public Comments
Two citizens addressed the council. John Height raised concerns about the Convention Center site, advocating for limited development, a bike-friendly Harvey Boulevard, and suggesting fines for outdoor signage and improved bus transit to Edmond. Sergeant Nelson expressed strong views on gun control, arguing that only licensed law enforcement should carry weapons due to increased violence and the challenges it poses for police officers, emphasizing the emotional toll of their job.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Items 7 H1 PV 091 and 7 H2 PV 092 were deferred until the April 7th meeting.
- Item 9A was deferred until April 7th.
Watch For
- Future council briefings on city council priorities, specifically 'Provide a safe and secure community'.
- Completion of a new fire station in the Southeast area in approximately one year.
- EMSA's development of a case management program for frequent callers to emergency rooms.
- Police Department's new Saturday-Saturday overlap shifts, starting in April, to address peak call times.
Announcements
- A proclamation was made declaring March 22, 2015, as Open Streets OKC Day.
- The passing of Stanton Young, a significant community leader and visionary for the Innovation District, was recognized. Services are Thursday at Westminster Presbyterian Church at 11:00 AM.
- Jim Winam was introduced as EMSA's new Chief Operating Officer.
- EMSA will be featured in the National Journal of Emergency Medical Service magazine for its cardiac arrest activities.
Agenda Summary
Item 4A
Receive the journal for March 10th.
Item 4B
Approve the journal for March 3rd.
Item 5
Request for revocable permits.
Item 6
Request for uncontested continuances for various items.
Item 7 H1 PV 091
Applicant requested deferral.
Item 7 H2 PV 092
Applicant requested deferral.
Item 9 E1 Item B 2600 North MacArthur
Stricken at owner's request.
Item 9 F1 2600 North MacArthur
Stricken at owner's request.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA) items
Five items on the MFA agenda.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPPA) items
Two items on the PPA agenda, including discussion of debt management policy.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (OCEAT) items
Three items on the OCEAT agenda.
Consent Docket
Various items requiring a single vote.
Item 9A
Item previously deferred.
Item 9B
Ordinance to close an alley for the 499 project.
Item 9C
Public hearing regarding fee adjustments in the parks department.
Item 9D
Public hearing regarding dilapidated structures.
Item 9E
Public hearing regarding unsecured structures.
Item 9F
Public hearing regarding abandoned buildings.
Item 9G
Opportunity to move into executive session to discuss water efforts.
Item 9H
Claims recommended for denial.
Item 10
Claims recommended for approval.
Item 11A
Resolution for a street name change in the area of Plaza Mayor (formerly Crossroads mall).