Meeting Summary
The city council meeting began with the recognition of the Police Officer, Firefighter, and Employee of the Year. Routine agenda items were approved, including a permit for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade and an ordinance for hotel tax auditing. Discussions were held on urban renewal and eminent domain, and public comments focused on police accountability, specifically advocating for police body cameras and addressing concerns related to the Daniel Holtzclaw case. A presentation on the renovations of Spiegel and Taft Stadiums was also provided.
Key Decisions & Votes
Police Officer of the Year Recognition
06:00Sergeant James Brown was recognized as the 2014 South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club Police Officer of the Year for his heroic actions and dedication.
Firefighter of the Year Recognition
10:00Corporal Keith McCabe was recognized as the 2014 South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club Firefighter of the Year for his selfless off-duty efforts in rendering aid and saving a life.
Employee of the Year Recognition
14:00Shawna D. Street was recognized as the 2014 South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club Employee of the Year for her diligence, dedication, and contributions to department morale.
Hotel Tax Auditing Ordinance
24:00An ordinance regarding the auditing of hotel taxes was approved for final hearing.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade Permit
27:00A revocable permit was approved for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade to be held on January 19th, passing through Automobile Alley, Bricktown, and Downtown.
Upcoming Community Events
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade
Goes through Automobile Alley, Bricktown, and Downtown (Wards 6 and 7).
Financial Matters
Gas Contract Negotiation (Oklahoma City Public Property Authority)
Negotiation of a gas contract where the city buys gas directly from a producer, resulting in annual savings.
Public Comments
Citizens expressed strong support for the implementation of police body cameras, citing benefits for both officer accountability and protection from false accusations. Concerns were also raised regarding the Daniel Holtzclaw case, highlighting issues of sexual assault allegations against an officer and the need for policy review. Additionally, comments were made regarding bicycle-friendly community initiatives and future traffic ordinances for cyclists.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Item 8f (Executive Session matter)
- Item 8h (Executive Session matter for negotiations update)
Watch For
- Discussion and vote next week on urban renewal and eminent domain.
- A report to City Council this month (January) on police body cameras, including pros, cons, and pilot project costs.
- Future traffic ordinances concerning bicycles (e.g., 3-foot rule, riding in middle of lanes).
Announcements
- Sergeant James Brown was recognized as the 2014 South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club Police Officer of the Year.
- Corporal Keith McCabe was recognized as the 2014 South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club Firefighter of the Year.
- Shawna D. Street was recognized as the 2014 South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club Employee of the Year.
- Former City Councilman Jack Cornett, who served from 1979 to 2000 and was the longest-serving councilman in city history, passed away.
- The Arts Council of Oklahoma City had a very successful opening night, with the venue moved to Bicentennial Park.
- Oklahoma City was awarded honorable mention for being a Bicycle-Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists.
- A presentation was given on the improvements and renovations at Spiegel and Taft Stadiums, funded by a school bond issue and a public-private partnership with Prodigal (owners of OKC Energy).
Agenda Summary
Item 3D & 3E
Appointments from the Office of the Mayor.
Item 4A
Receive the journal of council proceedings for December 30th.
Item 4B
Approve the journal of council proceedings for December 16th.
Item 8D1 Item B
Uncontested continuance for 2201 North Bryant.
Item 8D1 Item G
Uncontested continuance for 1805 West Park.
Item 8D1 Item J
Uncontested continuance for 504 North Sweetgum Avenue.
Item 8D1 Item K
Uncontested continuance for 8101 Westwood Circle.
Item 8D1 Item M
Uncontested continuance for 3040 Northwest 11th Street.
Item 8D1 Item Q
Uncontested continuance for 215 Southwest 23rd Street.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority
Three items on the agenda for the OCMFA.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority
Three items on the agenda for the OCPPA, including a gas contract negotiation.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust
Two items on the agenda for the OCEAT, including final acceptance of the solid waste management center project.
Consent Docket
Various items on the consent docket, including discussions on sign pickup, Project 180, and the Steelyard project.
Item 7A
Concurrence Docket item from the PPA on Cox Convention Center freight elevator repairs.
Item 8A
Request to close an easement in Ward 3.
Item 8B
Ordinance up for final hearing regarding the auditing of hotel taxes.
Item 8C
Public hearing regarding dilapidated structures.
Item 8D
Public hearing regarding unsecured structures.
Item 8E
Request for a revocable permit for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade on January 19th.
Item 8F
Matter requiring executive session.
Item 8G
Item to be struck from the agenda.
Item 8H
Matter requiring executive session for negotiations update.
Item 8I
Claims recommended for denial.
Item 9
Claims recommended for approval.