Meeting Summary
The City Council advanced several zoning cases and approved numerous consent docket items, including significant funding for homeless housing and the establishment of a new business improvement district. A major presentation outlined a proposal for the Water Utilities Trust to potentially take over Tinker Air Force Base's water and wastewater facilities under a long-term contract, aiming for economic benefits without burdening city ratepayers. February's sales and use tax collections showed a modest increase over target, though future financial projections were noted with caution.
Key Decisions & Votes
Homeless Alliance Housing Project Funding
Additional Community Development Block Grant funds were approved for the Homeless Alliance to complete a 20-unit single-room occupancy permanent supportive housing project, supported by over $500,000 in private matching funds.
SW 29th Street Business Improvement District Contract
A professional services agreement, not to exceed $24,500, was approved with the SW 29th Street Business Improvement District Association to facilitate the establishment of a new business improvement district.
Sale of 2007 Bond Issues
The sale of approximately $85.9 million in bonds from the 2007 bond issue was authorized. It was noted that $274 million remains to be sold, attributed to the 2009 recession and property tax caps.
Shields Street Name Change
The request to change the name of Shields Street between 4th Street and the off-ramp to Gaylord was approved to improve navigation following the relocation of I-40.
Bicyclist Ticketing Ordinance
An ordinance was introduced to allow police officers to issue tickets to bicyclists for certain violations, aligning city code with existing state law, with public and final hearings scheduled for March.
Upcoming Community Events
Pirates of Penzance Performance
Oklahoma City University box office webpage.
Myriad Gardens Orchid Show
Conservatory, features over a thousand orchids and tells the story of orchid collecting.
Myriad Gardens Annual Gardening School
Theme 'The Not Too Big Garden,' featuring internationally renowned speaker Julie Moore Maservi, focuses on urban gardening.
Myriad Gardens Easter Egg Hunt
Adding a second event due to high demand for family activities.
Myriad Gardens Walking Tours
Tours focusing on native trees, drought-tolerant perennials, and native plants.
Myriad Gardens Spring Festival
Secret Garden theme, raised funds and memberships, attracted 8,000 people.
Myriad Gardens Thunder Garden
Basketball plants cut to height of Thunder players for kids to measure themselves.
Myriad Gardens Homeless Children Photography Program
Children from Positive Tomorrows learned photography and displayed work in the gallery.
Myriad Gardens Bug Out
Educational event about insects, popular and sells out.
Myriad Gardens Gala Event
Fundraising event that has raised over $100,000.
Myriad Gardens Yoga Program
Very popular, with more classes being added.
Myriad Gardens Full Moon Bike Rides
Attracts over a thousand people, adding a running component this summer.
Myriad Gardens Concerts in the Parks
Signature concert series spotlighting Oklahoma talent, including the John Fulbright concert.
Myriad Gardens Movie Nights
Extremely popular, returning this year (featured Frozen last year).
Myriad Gardens Internet Cat Video Festival
Popular community event, found from Walker Arts Center in Minneapolis.
Myriad Gardens Shakespeare in the Park
Quality productions by a local cultural group.
Myriad Gardens Pumpkinville
Attracted 16,000 people and 500 new memberships, kept affordable and accessible.
Myriad Gardens Ice Rink Season
Over 30,000 people, an increase from last year, with a carousel attracting many children.
Myriad Gardens Holiday Decor and Winter Shops
Featured a stunning poinsettia tree, additional lights, local artists, and popular vendors.
Financial Matters
Workman's Comp Claims & Court Costs (OCMFA)
Discussion regarding itemized costs of workman's compensation claims and the legal requirement to pay court costs.
Golf Course Marketing Package (OCPPA)
Allocation of funds to purchase promotional items as part of a multi-tiered marketing approach to increase golf course rounds.
Community Development Block Grant Funds for Homeless Alliance
Approval of additional CDBG funds to the Homeless Alliance to complete a 20-unit single-room occupancy permanent supportive housing project, matched by over $500,000 in private funds.
Professional Services Agreement for SW 29th Street BID
Agreement with the SW 29th Street Business Improvement District Association to establish the BID.
2007 Bond Issue Expenditures for Parks
Expenditure of funds from the 2007 bond issue for improvements at various parks, including Red Andrews Park.
Loan Agreement for Providence Apartment Sober Living Community
Loan agreement using Community Development Block Grant funds for new roofing at the Providence Apartment Sober Living Community.
Sale of 2007 Bond Issues
Authorization for the sale of bonds from the 2007 bond issue, noting that $274 million remains to be sold due to economic factors and property tax caps.
Tinker Air Force Base Water/Wastewater Facilities Proposal
Presentation on a proposal for the Water Utilities Trust to take over Tinker AFB's water/wastewater systems, requiring significant capital investment for upgrades and modernization.
Proposed Fee Adjustment in Sewer and Sewage Disposal
Public hearing regarding proposed fee adjustments for industrial classes in sewer and sewage disposal.
February Sales and Use Tax Collections
Report showing February sales tax collections up 3.3% over target, putting sales tax 0.7% over target and use tax 2.5% over target, with caution regarding future projections.
Public Comments
James Tyler spoke against the removal of parking restrictions on NE 16th Street between Lindsay and Phillips. He expressed concern that lifting restrictions would lead to OU Medical Center students parking on the street, despite the current restrictions only being from 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday. He noted the Traffic Commission's inconsistent decisions on the matter.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Final hearing on NE 16th Street parking restrictions (March 3rd)
- Public hearing on bicyclist ticketing ordinance (March 3rd)
- Final hearing on bicyclist ticketing ordinance (March 10th)
- Formal report from Ward 5 sales tax study
- Future development around Myriad Gardens
Announcements
- Oklahoma City University's 'Pirates of Penzance' will be performed on February 27th, 28th, and March 1st.
- Councilman Larry encouraged residents of Ward 3 neighborhoods (Gemstone, Hilldale, Windsor Oaks, Windsor Forest, Musgrave Pennington) to attend upcoming meetings.
- Councilwoman Salyer expressed appreciation for recent diverse appointments to city boards and commissions.
- Maureen Heffernan provided a comprehensive year-in-review update for the Myriad Gardens, highlighting successful programs, events, and fundraising efforts, including the popular Orchid Show, gardening school, and various family and wellness activities.
- The Myriad Gardens is planting over 25,000 bulbs and a tall grass/short grass prairie, and is exploring new summer attractions.
Agenda Summary
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Invocation led by Dr. JD Ward and Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilman McAtee.
OCU Performance Preview
PT Mahoney from Oklahoma City University performed a song from 'Pirates of Penzance' as a preview.
Item 3: Appointments
Council appointments.
Item 4a: Receive Journal for February 17th
Receive the journal of council proceedings for February 17th.
Item 4b: Approve Journal for February 3rd and 10th
Approve the journal of council proceedings for February 3rd and 10th.
Item 5a1: Revocable Permit Request (Mrs. Hewlett)
Request for a revocable permit by Mrs. Hewlett.
Item 5a2: Oklahoma City-County Health Department Wellness Now Coalition - Open Streets OKC
Request to hold Open Streets OKC on 23rd Street to promote outdoor activities, with plans for a fall event on SW 29th Street.
Item 6: Requests for Uncontested Continuance
Various items (9d1 a, c, d and 9f1 a, d) requested to be stricken or re-notified due to re-notification needs or owner removal.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA) Items
Seven items presented to the OCMFA, including discussion on workman's compensation claims and court costs.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPPA) Items
Three items presented to the OCPPA, including an allocation of $50,000 for golf course marketing.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (OCEAT) Items
Two items presented to the OCEAT.
Consent Docket
A group of routine items approved together, with several pulled for individual discussion.
Item 7h: Resolution for Homeless Alliance CDBG Funds
Resolution approving additional Community Development Block Grant funds to the Homeless Alliance for a 20-unit permanent supportive housing project.
Item 7j1: Professional Services Agreement with SW 29th Street BID Association
Professional services agreement not to exceed $24,500 with the SW 29th Street Business Improvement District Association to establish the BID.
Item 7r: Expenditure of 2007 Bond Issues on Parks
Expenditure of funds from the 2007 bond issue for improvements at various parks, including Red Andrews Park.
Item 7t: Environmental Clearance for ODOT Projects
Discussion on environmental clearances, primarily safety matters, required for ODOT and state projects using federal funds.
Item 7i: Loan Agreement with Community Enhancement Corporation
Loan agreement for $75,000 using Community Development Block Grant funds for new roofing at the Providence Apartment Sober Living Community.
Item 7ae: Authorization for Sale of 2007 Bond Issues
Authorization for the sale of approximately $85.9 million worth of bonds related to the 2007 bond issue.
Item 7z: Presentation on Tinker Air Force Base Water/Wastewater Facilities Proposal
Presentation by Guernsey Engineering on a proposal for the Water Utilities Trust to take over ownership and operation of Tinker Air Force Base's water and wastewater facilities under a 50-year contract.
Item 7y: Parking Restrictions on NE 16th Street
Discussion and public comment regarding the removal of parking restrictions on NE 16th Street between Lindsay and Phillips.
Concurrence Docket
A group of items for concurrence.
Item 9a1: Zoning Case - 814 W Sheridan (ABC Issue)
Rezoning for a retro pub with an 80s theme in the film district.
Item 9a2: Zoning Case - 6705 N May Ave (ABC Overlay)
ABC overlay for Falcone's restaurant.
Item 9a3: Zoning Case - SW 23rd Street (Industrial Rezoning)
Request to rezone property from I-1 Light Industrial and I-2 Moderate Industrial to a new I-2 Moderate Industrial district.
Item 9a4: Zoning Case - 3500 N Sooner Road (SPUD)
Request to change property from a Simplified Planned Unit Development (SPUD) to a new SPUD.
Item 9a5: Zoning Case - 4901 SE 44th Avenue (SPUD)
Request to change property from I2 Moderate Industrial and part of a SPUD to a new SPUD.
Item 9a6: Zoning Case - 11500 Broadway Extension (Medical Office SPUD)
Request to change property from a PUD to a new Simplified Planned Unit Development (SPUD) for a medical office.
Item 9a7: Zoning Case - 2140 SW 44th Street (SPUD)
Request to change property from C3 Community Commercial to a new SPUD, with technical evaluations agreed upon by the applicant.
Item 9b: Name Change Request - Shields Street
Request to change the name of Shields Street between 4th Street and the off-ramp to Gaylord.
Item 9c: Public Hearing - Proposed Fee Adjustment (Sewer/Sewage Disposal)
Public hearing regarding proposed fee adjustments in sewer and sewage disposal for industrial classes.
Item 9d: Public Hearing - Dilapidated Structures
Public hearing regarding various dilapidated structures.
Item 9e: Public Hearing - Unsecured Structures
Public hearing regarding various unsecured structures.
Item 9f: Public Hearing - Abandoned Buildings
Public hearing regarding various abandoned buildings.
Item 9g: Resolution Approval
Approval of a resolution not requiring executive session.
Item 9h: Executive Session Item
Item requiring executive session.
Item 9i: Executive Session Item
Item requiring executive session.
Item 9j: Item to be Stricken
Item not requiring executive session.
Item 9k: Executive Session Item
Item requiring executive session.
Item 10a: Claims Recommended for Approval
Approval of claims recommended for approval.
Item 11a: Ordinance for Bicyclist Ticketing
Introduction of an ordinance to allow police officers to issue tickets to bicyclists for certain violations, aligning with state law.
City Manager Reports
Update on Myriad Gardens activities and February sales and use tax collections.