Meeting Summary
The city council meeting covered a wide range of topics, including the recognition of firefighters for a life-saving rescue and the proclamation of September as Senior Center Month. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussions and public hearings on the modern streetcar system, the whitewater facility budget overruns, and proposed regulations for ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. The council also addressed various zoning cases, revocable right-of-way permits, and claims for damages.
Key Decisions & Votes
Modern Streetcar System RFP
00:30:00The council approved the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the modern streetcar system, which includes wireless operation capabilities and ADA compliance. The goal is to attract competitive bids while maintaining budget and schedule.
Whitewater Facility Budget Overrun
00:50:00The council approved Option 1 to address the whitewater facility budget overrun. This option involves awarding the bid to the current low bidder and then value engineering the contract to reduce costs, aiming for a December 2015 completion.
Zoning Case: 13725 Southwestern Avenue
01:25:00A zoning case in Ward 5 was approved to change from AA agricultural to R1ZL single-family zero lot line district, consistent with previous agreements and neighborhood input.
Zoning Case: 9016 South Shields Boulevard
01:35:00A zoning case in Ward 4 was approved for a new Planned Unit Development (PUD) for a church and residential use, with an amendment requiring a neighborhood meeting for detention plans.
Zoning Case: 9420 I-40 Service Road (Paintball Park)
01:55:00A zoning case in Ward 3 was approved for a new PUD to establish Epic Paintball Park, including a lease of city-owned land. An emergency clause was added to allow for immediate construction.
Food Truck Regulations
02:15:00Changes to the city's food truck regulations were approved, with an emergency clause to allow immediate implementation before the opening of a new food truck court.
Crystal Lake Camping
02:18:00Regulations for camping at Crystal Lake were approved, allowing inner-city kids to camp out and promoting public fishing.
Water Rate Changes
02:40:00A public hearing was held on proposed water rate changes. The item was moved forward for further consideration and potential amendments.
Vehicle for Hire Regulations
03:55:00A public hearing was held on proposed regulations for ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft) and traditional taxis. The item was moved forward to the next meeting to allow for proposed amendments from council members.
Will Rogers Conservatory Rental Fees
04:05:00Proposed changes to rental fees and policies for the Will Rogers Conservatory, including allowing glass containers under special events and implementing a cleanup deposit, were introduced.
Fish and Game Regulations
04:08:00Recommendations for changes to fish and game ordinances, including removing the Oklahoma River from 'close to home' fishing lakes and adjusting boat size limits, were introduced.
Dilapidated Structures
04:10:00Items related to dilapidated structures were approved following a public hearing.
Unsecured Structures
04:12:00Items related to unsecured structures were approved following a public hearing.
21c Hotel Section 108 Loan
04:25:00A resolution to approve a Section 108 loan of $6.9 million for the 21c Hotel, a rehabilitation project, was approved after a public hearing.
Redman Triathlon Revocable Permit
04:28:00A revocable right-of-way permit was approved for the Redman Triathlon and Half Triathlon at Lake Hefner.
Plaza District Festival Revocable Permit
04:29:00A revocable right-of-way permit was approved for the Plaza District Association to hold the Plaza District Festival.
Mustache Bash Revocable Permit
04:30:00A revocable right-of-way permit was approved for Shop Good to hold the Mustache Bash on NW 9th and Broadway.
Fiestas de las Americas Revocable Permit
04:31:00A revocable right-of-way permit was approved for Old Capitol Hill to hold the Fiestas de las Americas.
Robert Brady Memorial 5K Run Revocable Permit
04:32:00A revocable right-of-way permit was approved for the Farmer's Help Point to hold the Robert Brady Memorial 5K Run.
EMSA Medical Control Board Budget
04:38:00The operational year budget for the Emergency Physicians Foundation Medical Control Board was approved, including medical oversight for the Oklahoma City Fire Department and EMSA.
Paintball Facility Lease
04:40:00The lease for the paintball facility, for which zoning was approved earlier, was approved.
Police Policy Changes (Manual Reduction)
04:41:00Minor changes to police policy were approved, primarily cosmetic, reducing the manual by 192 pages and moving content to electronic formats.
Police Policy Changes (Lease Vehicles)
04:42:00Changes to police policy 556 were approved to include lease vehicles under rules and regulations for city equipment and equipment storage.
Claims Recommended for Approval
04:55:00All claims recommended for approval were passed unanimously.
Upcoming Community Events
Redman Triathlon and Half Triathlon
To be held around Lake Hefner. This is the 10th year for the event, which will host regional championships this year, national championships in 2015, and world championships in 2016.
Plaza District Festival
Request from the Plaza District Association to hold the festival.
Mustache Bash
To be held on NW 9th and Broadway, hosted by Shop Good. Benefits a local non-profit called Recharge (women's diversionary prison program).
Fiestas de las Americas
Request from Old Capitol Hill to hold the festival.
Robert Brady Memorial 5K Run
To take place in Ward 8, hosted by the Farmer's Help Point.
Financial Matters
Whitewater Facility Construction Budget
The low bid for the whitewater facility was $33,416,700, exceeding the original construction budget of $19,840,000. Option 1, involving value engineering, was approved to reduce costs by up to $4 million.
21c Hotel Section 108 Loan
A Section 108 loan was approved for the 21c Hotel, a rehabilitation project. This loan is backed by CDBG funds and is intended to support economic development and job creation.
EMSA Medical Control Board Budget
The operational budget for the Emergency Physicians Foundation Medical Control Board was approved, with a slight increase of less than $4,000 for the city's fire department and less than $3,000 for EMSA.
Claims Recommended for Denial
Several claims for damages were recommended for denial due to lack of prior notice to the city regarding the issues, as per state law.
Claims Recommended for Approval
Various claims were recommended for and received approval.
Public Comments
Public comments were primarily focused on the proposed regulations for ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft) and water rate changes. Speakers for ride-sharing services highlighted their benefits in providing flexible income and reducing drunk driving, while taxi/limo representatives emphasized the need for a level playing field and public safety concerns. Concerns were also raised about the city's response to sexual assault cases and a planned satanic black mass.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Zoning Case: 9735 West Memorial Road (deferred for two weeks)
- Damage Claim from Stan Vickery (deferred for four weeks to gather more information)
Deadlines
- September 9th: Public hearing for EMSA name change, Will Rogers Conservatory rental changes, and fish and game ordinance changes.
- September 23rd: Final adoption for EMSA name change, Will Rogers Conservatory rental changes, and fish and game ordinance changes.
- Next Tuesday (due to holiday): Deadline for council members to submit amendments for the Vehicle for Hire regulations.
Watch For
- Further discussion and potential amendments on Vehicle for Hire regulations at the next council meeting.
- Presentations on the five-year capital plan in a couple of weeks.
Announcements
- Oklahoma City Fire Department received a Save a Life Award from a national organization for a life-saving rescue.
- September 2014 proclaimed as Senior Center Month in Oklahoma City.
- Meredith Ziegler recognized as August 2014 Teacher of the Month and Oklahoma City Public Schools District Teacher of the Year.
- Councilman Ryan and Councilman Griner attended emergency training and praised the city staff's preparedness.
- Chief City and the police department were publicly thanked for their handling of an officer's arrest for sexual assault.
Agenda Summary
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Led by Pastor Ray Griffin and Councilman James Griner.
Save a Life Award Presentation
Recognition of Oklahoma City firefighters for a life-saving rescue.
Senior Center Month Proclamation
Proclamation of September 2014 as Senior Center Month, highlighting the city's senior centers.
Teacher of the Month Recognition
Recognition of Meredith Ziegler as August 2014 Teacher of the Month and District Teacher of the Year.
Council Agenda Item 3b and 3c (Appointments)
Appointments to various boards and commissions.
Council Agenda Item 3d (Travel Expenses)
Resolution to approve travel expenses for the mayor's participation in a leadership conference.
Journal of Council Proceedings (August 12th)
Receive the journal for August 12th.
Journal of Council Proceedings (July 29th)
Approve the journal for July 29th.
Request for Uncontested Continuances
Various items on the consent docket and unsecured buildings list were stricken or continued.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA)
Six items were voted on.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPPA)
Four items were voted on.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (OCEAT)
Claims and payroll were voted on.
Modern Streetcar System Vehicles Presentation
Presentation on the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the modern streetcar system.
Whitewater Facility Presentation
Presentation on the budget overruns and options for the whitewater facility.
Consent Docket
Various items on the consent docket were approved.
Concurrence Docket
Items on the concurrence docket were approved.
Zoning Case: 801 Northwest 122nd Street (ABC Issue)
Zoning case in Ward 7.
Zoning Case: 3264 Southwest 44th Street (ABC Issue)
Zoning case in Ward 3.
Zoning Case: 13725 Southwestern Avenue
Zoning case in Ward 5, changing from AA agricultural to R1ZL single-family zero lot line.
Zoning Case: 11500 North Kelly
Zoning case in Ward 7, for a new Planned Unit Development (PUD).
Zoning Case: 9016 South Shields Boulevard
Zoning case in Ward 4, changing from AA agricultural and C3 community commercial to a new PUD.
Zoning Case: 2001 East Britain Road
Zoning case in Ward 7, changing from AA agricultural and C3 community commercial to a new PUD.
Zoning Case: 13100 Northwestern
Zoning case in Ward 7, for a new PUD.
Zoning Case: 1000 North Check Hall Road
Zoning case in Ward 3 (now Ward 1), changing from R1 single-family residential to a new PUD for an OnCue.
Zoning Case: 9420 I-40 Service Road
Zoning case in Ward 3, for a new PUD for Epic Paintball Park.
Zoning Case: 4105 West Memorial Road
Zoning case in Ward 8, changing from R1 single-family to a new PUD for an office building.
Zoning Case: 9735 West Memorial Road
Zoning case in Ward 8, changing from AA agricultural to a new PUD.
Zoning Case: 600 Southeast 51st Street
Zoning case in Ward 4, changing from R1 single-family to a new simplified PUD.
Zoning Case: 3608 Northwestern Avenue
Zoning case in Ward 2, changing from R1 single-family to a simplified PUD.
Name Change in Ward 7
Staff-generated name change to ease confusion in a certain neighborhood.
Food Truck Regulations
Final hearing on changes to food truck regulations.
Crystal Lake Camping
Final hearing on regulations for camping at Crystal Lake.
Water Rate Changes
Public hearing to discuss changes in water rates.
Vehicle for Hire Regulations
Public hearing on proposed regulations for ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft) and taxis.
EMSA Name Change
Introduction of an ordinance to change 'Total Care' to 'EMSA Care' in city ordinances.
Will Rogers Conservatory Rental Fees and Policies
Introduction of an ordinance to change rental fees and policies for the Will Rogers Conservatory.
Fish and Game Ordinance Changes
Introduction of an ordinance to change fish and game regulations.
Dilapidated Structures
Public hearing on various dilapidated structures.
Unsecured Structures
Public hearing on various unsecured structures.
21c Hotel Section 108 Loan
Public hearing and resolution to amend the plan for a Section 108 loan for the 21c Hotel.
Redman Triathlon Revocable Right-of-Way Permit
Request from Friends of Multi-Sport to hold the Redman Triathlon.
Plaza District Festival Revocable Right-of-Way Permit
Request from Plaza District Association to hold the Plaza District Festival.
Mustache Bash Revocable Right-of-Way Permit
Request from Shop Good to hold the Mustache Bash.
Fiestas de las Americas Revocable Right-of-Way Permit
Request from Old Capitol Hill to hold the Fiestas de las Americas.
Robert Brady Memorial 5K Run Revocable Right-of-Way Permit
Request from Farmer's Help Point to hold the Robert Brady Memorial 5K Run.
Redman Triathlon and Half Triathlon Revocable Permit (Accompanying Issue)
Accompanying issue for the Redman Triathlon event.
Friends of Multi-Sport Inc. Event Revocable Permit (Ward 8)
Request from Friends of Multi-Sport Inc. to hold an event in Ward 8.
Emergency Physicians Foundation Medical Control Board Approval
Approval of the operational year budget for the Medical Control Board.
Paintball Facility Lease
Approval of the lease for the paintball facility.
Police Policy Changes (Manual Indexing and Reduction)
Changes to police policy for indexing and manual reduction.
Police Policy Changes (Lease Vehicles)
Changes to police policy 556 to include lease vehicles.
Salary Continuations (8U, 8V, 8W)
Three separate items for salary continuations.
Salary Continuations (8X, 8Y, 8Z)
Three separate items for salary continuations.
Salary Continuation (8AA)
One item for salary continuation.
Item 8AB
Item struck from the agenda.
Claims Recommended for Denial
Public hearing on claims recommended for denial.
Claims Recommended for Approval
Claims recommended for approval.
Items from Council
Council members' comments and reports.
City Manager Reports
Peter D'Alessi presented on the Arts Council's 'Go Green' initiative.
Finance Committee Item 4A
Receive the proposed capital improvement plan document.
Finance Committee Item 4B
Item struck from the agenda.
Finance Committee Item 4C
Item approved.