Meeting Summary
The city council approved the authorization to negotiate for the streetcar vehicle contract and initiated the process for two new Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts. Resolutions to appeal the demolition of the Union Bus Station and to adopt new bicycle safety ordinances both failed, with council opting for further study on the latter. The transit system provided an update on significant ridership increases, new technology, and the successful launch of night bus service.
Key Decisions & Votes
Authorization to negotiate for Streetcar Vehicle Contract
Council authorized negotiation with Inekon for the streetcar vehicle contract, despite concerns raised about motor mounting, company ownership, and Buy America compliance.
Creation of TIF 11 (Court of Shore)
Resolution passed to begin the process for evaluating and potentially creating a Tax Increment Financing district in the Court of Shore area, aimed at leveraging private investment for redevelopment.
Creation of TIF 10 (South Central Business District)
Resolution passed to begin the process for evaluating and potentially creating a Tax Increment Financing district in the South Central Business District, intended to support convention center hotel and parking development.
Adoption of new Bicycle Safety Ordinances
A resolution to adopt new bicycle safety ordinances failed, with council members preferring to form an advisory committee with ACOG to study and standardize regulations across municipalities.
Appeal of DDRC Decision on Union Bus Station Demolition
A resolution to appeal the Downtown Design Review Committee's decision to demolish the Union Bus Station failed, despite arguments for its historical significance and potential for adaptive reuse.
Upcoming Community Events
Redbud Classic
Two-day event benefiting the Boys & Girls Club, featuring cycling tours (10, 33, 50-mile), 5k/10k/2-mile walk, and a kids one-mile fun run.
Adrenaline Run
Held on the OU Health Science Center campus, benefiting the College of Pharmacy alumni association, students, and research.
Financial Matters
Street Resurfacing and Reconstruction (Tornado-affected areas)
Funding for resurfacing and reconstruction of approximately 10 lane miles of streets in neighborhoods affected by the 2013 tornado.
TIF 11 (Court of Shore)
Initial steps for a Tax Increment Financing district to leverage private investment, with an estimated combined development value of $930 million over 25 years.
TIF 10 (South Central Business District)
Initial steps for a Tax Increment Financing district to support development around the new convention center, including a hotel and parking.
Water Utilities Trust Loan (Drinking Water)
Resolution for a $36 million loan from the state drinking water revolving loan fund for water projects, offering cost savings by not requiring reserve funds.
Water Utilities Trust Loan (Wastewater)
Resolution for an $800,000 loan from the clean water revolving loan fund for wastewater projects, offering cost savings by not requiring reserve funds.
Segregation Claim of Insurance
Approval of a resolution regarding a $15,000 settlement for a segregation claim of insurance.
Claims Recommended for Approval
Three claims recommended for approval.
January Sales Tax Collections
Sales tax collections for January were up 4.2% over the previous year, with year-to-date collections 0.3% over target. Concerns were raised about the long-term impact of oil prices.
Public Comments
Public comments addressed concerns about the streetcar vehicle procurement process, advocating for local manufacturing and transparency. Speakers on bicycle safety urged for more education and a standardized approach across municipalities rather than new, potentially confusing ordinances. Opposition to the demolition of the Union Bus Station highlighted its historical significance and the need to explore adaptive reuse alternatives.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Impact of oil prices on city budget (budget workshop next month)
- Further development of TIF districts
- ACOG study on standardized bicycle ordinances
Announcements
- National Wear Red Day proclaimed for Friday, February 6th, in recognition of the fight against heart disease and stroke.
- New Assistant Director for Transit System, Kevin Mulcahy, introduced.
- Transit system enhancements, including new system maps, increased frequency, improved on-time performance, and new bus stop signage, are being implemented.
- New technology for transit users, including a journey planner and Embark Connect app, is available.
- Night bus service pilot program (Routes 23 and 11) began last night, with extended paratransit coverage and a new Link stop at OCCC.
- Forest Park Neighborhood Association (SE 44th and Eastern Avenue) has formed a new homeowners association.
Agenda Summary
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Opening of the meeting with a prayer and the pledge.
National Wear Red Day Proclamation
Proclamation of Friday, February 6th, as National Wear Red Day to raise awareness about heart disease in women.
Item 3a: Approve Mayor's expenses for US Conference of Mayors
Approval of expenses incurred by the Mayor for attending the US Conference of Mayors.
Item 3b: Discuss potential salary changes for the City Manager
Discussion regarding potential salary adjustments for the City Manager.
Item 3c: Discuss potential salary changes for the Municipal Counselor
Discussion regarding potential salary adjustments for the Municipal Counselor.
Item 3d: Discuss potential salary changes for the City Auditor
Discussion regarding potential salary adjustments for the City Auditor.
Item 4a: Receive the Journal of Council Proceedings for January 20th
Reception of the official record of council proceedings from January 20th.
Item 4b: Approve the Journal of Council Proceedings for January 13th
Approval of the official record of council proceedings from January 13th.
Item 5: Request for uncontested continuances (Items 8d1b, 8d1c, 8d1d, 8d1e, 8d1g, 8d1h)
Requests to strike several items related to unsecured structures as owners had secured them.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA) Agenda
Seven items on the OCMFA agenda.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPPA) Agenda
Four items on the OCPPA agenda, including a contract amendment for the central heating/cooling system.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (OCEAT) Agenda
Two items on the OCEAT agenda.
Consent Docket (excluding Item U)
Approval of various routine items on the consent docket, including Item F for street resurfacing in tornado-affected areas.
Item U: Authorization to negotiate for Streetcar Vehicle Contract
Authorization for city staff to negotiate a contract for the streetcar vehicles, with Inekon being the top-ranked bidder.
Concurrence Docket
Approval of items on the concurrence docket.
Item 8a: Final hearing on changes to public nuisance threshold
Final hearing for proposed changes to the threshold for declaring a public nuisance.
Item 8b1: Traffic issue in Ward 6 (reserved parking spaces)
A traffic commission item concerning reserved parking spaces in Ward 6.
Item 8b2: Traffic issue in Ward 6 (reserved parking spaces)
A traffic commission item concerning reserved parking spaces in Ward 6.
Item 8b3: Traffic issue in Ward 6 (reserved parking spaces)
A traffic commission item concerning reserved parking spaces in Ward 6.
Item 8b4: Traffic issue in Ward 6 (reserved parking spaces)
A traffic commission item concerning reserved parking spaces in Ward 6.
Item 8b5: Traffic issue in Ward 6 (reserved parking spaces)
A traffic commission item concerning reserved parking spaces in Ward 6.
Item 8b6: Traffic issue in Ward 6 (reserved parking spaces)
A traffic commission item concerning reserved parking spaces in Ward 6.
Item 8b7: Traffic issue in Ward 6 (reserved parking spaces)
A traffic commission item concerning reserved parking spaces in Ward 6.
Item 8b8: Traffic issue in Ward 6 (reserved parking spaces)
A traffic commission item concerning reserved parking spaces in Ward 6.
Item 8c: Public hearing regarding dilapidated structures (SW 46th Street)
Public hearing concerning a dilapidated structure on SW 46th Street.
Item 8d: Public hearing regarding unsecured structures
Public hearing concerning various unsecured structures.
Item 8e (Redbud Foundation): Revocable right-of-way permit for Redbud Classic
Permit for the Redbud Foundation to hold the Redbud Classic event on April 11th and 12th.
Item 8e (OU College of Pharmacy): Revocable right-of-way permit for Adrenaline Run
Permit for the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy Alumni Association to hold the Adrenaline Run.
Item 8f: Resolution to authorize beginning steps for TIF 11 (Court of Shore)
Resolution to initiate the process for evaluating and potentially creating a Tax Increment Financing district in the Court of Shore area.
Item 8g: Resolution to authorize beginning steps for TIF 10 (South Central Business District)
Resolution to initiate the process for evaluating and potentially creating a Tax Increment Financing district in the South Central Business District.
Item 8h: Financing of water projects ($36M loan)
Resolution for a $36 million loan from the state drinking water revolving loan fund for water projects.
Item 8i: Financing of water projects ($800k loan)
Resolution for an $800,000 loan from the clean water revolving loan fund for wastewater projects.
Item 8j: Segregation claim of insurance
Approval of a resolution regarding a $15,000 settlement for a segregation claim of insurance.
Item 8k: Approve resolution
Approval of a resolution as per previous council instructions.
Item 8l: Approve resolution
Approval of a resolution.
Item 8m: Move to executive session
Item moved to executive session for discussion.
Item 8n: Update not needed
An item for which an update was not required.
Item 8o: Move to executive session
Item moved to executive session for discussion.
Item 9: Claims recommended for approval
Three claims recommended for approval.
Item 10a: Resolution on bicycle safety ordinances (Councilman Ryan)
A resolution proposing new bicycle safety ordinances.
Item 10b: Resolution to appeal DDRC decision on Union Bus Station demolition (Councilman Shadeed)
A resolution to appeal the Downtown Design Review Committee's decision to demolish the Union Bus Station.
Transit System Update
Presentation on improvements to the transit system, including ridership, reliability, new technology, and night service.
Sales Tax Collections Update
Update on January sales tax collections and discussion of the impact of oil prices on the city budget.