Meeting Summary
The City Council approved several revocable permits for community events and addressed significant financial matters, including authorizing a bond refunding expected to save $10 million and adopting a new debt management policy. A proposal to refer the study of bus shelter pads on Maps 3 sidewalks to a subcommittee for recommendation was ultimately denied. An extensive update was provided on the Intermodal Transit Hub project, detailing its funding, design, and timeline.
Key Decisions & Votes
Employee of the Month Recognition
04:00A resolution was passed to recognize Beth Crowns as the February 2015 South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club Employee of the Month for her dedication and service as Action Center Supervisor.
Bond Refunding Authorization
30:00The Council authorized the refunding of city bonds, projected to save $10 million and enable further bond issuance from the 2007 authorization. The city's AAA bond rating was confirmed by Moody's and S&P.
Debt Management Policy Adoption
38:00A formal debt management policy was adopted to memorialize financial practices, provide future guidance, and support the city's AAA bond rating. The policy includes limits on GO bonds, loan guarantees, and revenue bond coverage ratios.
Maps 3 Sidewalks and Bus Shelter Pads
58:00A motion to refer the study of incorporating concrete pads for bus shelters into Maps 3 sidewalk projects to the Maps 3 Sidewalk Committee for study and recommendation was ultimately denied after an amendment to soften the language was approved.
Upcoming Community Events
Strides of March Half Marathon and Dogwood Dash 5K
Lake Stanley Draper, fundraiser for OKC Metro Alliance for substance abuse recovery.
St. Patrick's Day Block Party
Midtown, outside McNelly's Pub, 11 AM to midnight, Walker Street closure.
OUA Health Dash
OU campus, 5K/10K run, proceeds benefit a free health clinic for the underprivileged.
Love Your City
Elemental Coffee, hosted by A Better Block, to encourage engagement and service on city boards and commissions.
Financial Matters
Bond Refunding
Authorization for refunding of city bonds, expected to save approximately $10 million and allow for additional bond issuance from the 2007 authorization. The city's AAA bond rating was confirmed by Moody's and S&P.
Debt Management Policy Adoption
Adoption of a formal debt management policy, memorializing long-standing practices and providing guidance for future staff. The policy sets limits for General Obligation bonds (3% or less of market value), loan guarantees (not more than 10% of general funds), and revenue bond coverage ratios (minimum 125%).
Fire Department Fuels Management System
Approval of a fuels management system for the fire department. Councilman Ryan inquired about maintenance considerations and supplier options.
Public Comments
Joe Serge Nelson spoke passionately about the critical need for more police officers and firefighters in Oklahoma City, citing recent incidents and the city's rapid growth. He suggested prioritizing public safety funding over projects like the streetcar, hotel, and convention center.
Announcements
- The City Rescue Mission was highlighted as a wonderful organization, recently recognized by the Center for Nonprofits for excellence in service provision and management.
- Beth Crowns was recognized as the February 2015 South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club Employee of the Month for her 8 years and 9 months of service as Action Center Supervisor, handling over 83,000 citizen contacts annually with a 95% response rate.
- The new Lincoln Golf Club is open and features public art installed as part of the city's 1% for public art program.
- Councilman David Greenwell was reelected without opposition and encouraged continued citizen engagement and input, suggesting enhanced information on opportunities for citizens to get involved with city committees and boards.
- Councilman John A. Pettis thanked the new superintendent of Oklahoma City Public Schools for their efforts.
- A detailed update was provided on the Oklahoma City Intermodal Transit Hub project, including its $28.5 million funding, design plans for multimodal integration, Bricktown Canal connection, and a projected substantial completion by late 2016.
Agenda Summary
Resolution recognizing Beth Crowns as Employee of the Month
Recognition of Beth Crowns as the February 2015 South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club Employee of the Month for her dedication and service as Action Center Supervisor.
Appointments (Item 3B)
Consideration of a couple of appointments.
Journal of Council Proceedings (Item 4A & 4B)
Receive the journal for January 27th and approve the journal for January 20th.
Revocable Permit Request: OKC Metro Alliance Inc. - Strides of March Half Marathon and Dogwood Dash 5K
Request to hold a half marathon and 5K fundraiser at Lake Stanley Draper.
Revocable Permit Request: McNelly's Plaza Courts LLC - St. Patrick's Day Block Party
Request to host the 7th annual St. Patrick's Day block party in Midtown.
Revocable Permit Request: University of Oklahoma Community Health Alliance - OUA Health Dash
Request to hold a 5K/10K run on campus, benefiting a free health clinic.
Uncontested Continuances (Item 6)
Request for continuance on item 9c1d regarding 519 Southwest 10 Street, which the owner has now secured.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority Items
Consideration of four items for the OC MFA.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority Items
Consideration of four items for the OC PPA, including discussion on Lincoln Golf Club signage and clubhouse pricing competitiveness.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust Items
Consideration of claims and payroll for the OCEAT.
Consent Docket (Item A)
Request for Proposal (RFP) for advertising for body-worn cameras for a pilot project.
Concurrence Docket Items
Consideration of four items on the concurrence docket.
Planning Department Item: Closure of streets and alleys in Walnut Grove Edition (Ward 7)
Request to close several streets and alleys in the Walnut Grove Edition.
Planning Department Item: Closure of 15-foot platted utility easement in Sir Hills (Ward 1)
Request to close a 15-foot platted utility easement in Sir Hills.
Public Hearing: Dilapidated Structures (Item 9B)
Public hearing regarding various dilapidated structures.
Public Hearing: Unsecured Structures (Item 9C)
Public hearing regarding various unsecured structures.
Public Hearing: Authorization for Bond Refunding (Item 9D)
Public hearing and authorization for refunding of city bonds to achieve lower borrowing costs and generate savings.
Debt Management Policy Establishment (Item 9E)
Establishment of a formal debt management policy for the City of Oklahoma City, outlining practices for debt use, limits, structure, and compliance.
Item 9F
Consideration of an item not requiring Executive Session.
Item 9G
Consideration of an item not requiring Executive Session.
Item 9H
Update on labor negotiations.
Claims Recommended for Approval (Item 10)
Consideration of claims recommended for approval.
Approval of Travel Expenses to National League of Cities
Approval of travel expenses for attending the National League of Cities conference.
Referral to Maps 3 Sidewalk Committee for study and recommendation on bus shelter pads
Proposal to refer the study of incorporating concrete pads for bus shelters into Maps 3 sidewalk projects to the Maps 3 Sidewalk Committee.