Meeting Summary
The City Council approved the 2014-2015 annual budget and received updates on major MAPS 3 projects, including the Fairgrounds Expo Center and Whitewater Facility, both moving towards bidding and construction. A significant debate occurred regarding a $3.5 million economic development incentive for a retail entity, highlighting differing views on the city's use of such incentives. The meeting also included comprehensive reports on the city's strong financial management and ongoing efforts to promote thriving neighborhoods through various planning and development initiatives.
Key Decisions & Votes
Journal of Council Proceedings
04:00The council approved the journal for May 13th and May 20th and received the journal for May 27th and June 3rd.
Uncontested Continuances
05:00Several items related to dilapidated and unsecured structures were stricken from the agenda as owners had taken corrective action.
OCMFA Demolition Bidding
07:30A resolution waiving formal competitive bidding for demolition services was approved, with clarification that individual quotes are obtained from qualified vendors for each project.
Consent Docket
29:00The majority of the consent docket items were approved unanimously, following presentations on MAPS 3 projects.
OKC Fest LLC Permit
35:00A revocable right-of-way use permit was granted for OKC Fest LLC to hold an outdoor music festival on June 27-28.
Zoning Case 8A1 (Reduxion Theater)
50:00An AB3 zoning request was approved for the Reduxion Theater Company to allow the serving of wine and cocktails during shows.
Zoning Case 8A2 (Mezzaluna Ave PUD)
52:00A new Planned Unit Development (PUD) for a multi-family project north of Quail Springs Mall was approved, with an agreement to reduce density in surrounding areas.
Zoning Case 8A3 (N Rockwell Ave PUD)
54:00A new Simplified Planning Development (PUD) was approved to add a restaurant use between two existing office/medical office buildings.
Closing Utility 8C (Bluff Canyon)
56:00The closing of a utility in Ward 8 was approved to vacate streets and easements, facilitating a new office warehouse complex.
Special Permit 8D (Auto Dealership)
57:00A special permit was approved to allow the operation of an auto dealership on 39th Street.
Parking for Physically Disabled
58:00Regulations concerning parking for physically disabled individuals were adopted after their third hearing before the council.
Design Review Committee
59:00Changes to the makeup and membership of the Design Review Committee were adopted after their third hearing.
HP District Regulations
59:30Regulations involving the HP District were adopted after their third hearing before the council.
Petty Cash at Development Center
01:00:00A public hearing on petty cash procedures at the Development Center concluded with approval.
Child Care Ordinance
01:12:00A new ordinance addressing child care issues, including updated terminology and alignment with state and building codes, was introduced and approved to move forward for a public hearing.
Dilapidated Structures
01:12:30Items related to dilapidated structures were approved following a public hearing.
Unsecured Structures
01:13:00Items related to unsecured structures were approved following a public hearing.
2014-2015 Annual Budget
01:19:00The resolution adopting the 2014-2015 annual budget, totaling $1.1 billion, was unanimously adopted.
Public Safety Sales Tax (Fire Department)
01:21:00The annual resolution solidifying the public safety sales tax for the fire department was adopted.
Public Safety Sales Tax (Police Department)
01:21:30The annual resolution solidifying the public safety sales tax for the police department was adopted.
Classen 10 Pin Community Festival Permit
01:24:00A revocable permit was approved for the second annual Classen 10 Pin Community Festival in McKinley Park.
Juneteenth Festival Permit
01:26:00A revocable permit was approved to hold the Juneteenth Festival in Washington Park.
Claims Recommended for Denial
01:27:30Claims recommended for denial were formally denied by the council.
Claims Recommended for Approval
01:28:00Claims recommended for approval were formally approved for payment.
Council Travel Expenses (Emergency Management Course)
01:28:30Travel expenses for two council members to attend the Integrated Emergency Management course in Maryland in August were approved.
Council Travel Expenses (National League of Cities)
01:29:00Travel expenses for council members representing the city on National League of Cities committees were approved.
Economic Development Agreement (Retail Incentive)
49:00Authorization was approved to negotiate a $3.5 million economic development agreement for a retail entity, following a debate on the city's incentive policy.
Upcoming Community Events
OKC Fest
Five blocks downtown, featuring country musicians like Scotty McCreery, Merle Haggard, and Lady Antebellum. Free music at Myriad Garden with Oklahoma artists.
Classen 10 Pin Community Festival
McKinley Park, afternoon until 10 o'clock, featuring bands, food trucks, and artists.
Juneteenth Festival
Washington Park, featuring good food, music, and fun with headliners Angela Winbush and Jarvis, plus over 20 local acts. Free to the public.
Kitchen Park Dedication
Southeast 119th and Sunnyland.
Financial Matters
Demolition Services Bidding
Resolution waiving formal competitive bidding for removing dilapidated structures. Explained that individual quotes are obtained from qualified vendors for each project.
MAPS 3 Fairgrounds Expo Center Budget
Fixed limit of $44,399,127. Final construction bid estimate of $41,173,000 (base bid) plus five allowances and four add alternates. Final project cost estimate $43,826,800.
MAPS 3 Whitewater Facility Budget
Construction budget of approximately $23.5-24 million. Land acquisition was $1.5 million over budget, with potential to shift funds from MAPS 4 river program.
Economic Development Agreement (Retail Incentive)
Authorization to negotiate a $3.5 million economic development agreement for a retail entity.
2014-2015 Annual Budget
Adoption of the annual budget. Total budget $1.1 billion, General Fund $415,482,224. Includes 40 additional police positions and $1.3 million for transit enhancements. Discussion on funding for vacant/abandoned buildings positions due to legislative changes.
Public Safety Sales Tax (Fire Department)
Annual resolution governing expenditures from the fire sales tax fund, based on 1989 ballot language.
Public Safety Sales Tax (Police Department)
Annual resolution governing expenditures from the police sales tax fund, based on 1989 ballot language.
Council Travel Expenses (Integrated Emergency Management Course)
Travel expenses for two council members to attend a course in Maryland in August.
Council Travel Expenses (National League of Cities)
Travel expenses for council members representing the city on National League of Cities committees.
City-County Health Department Spay/Neuter Program
Discussion about the spay/neuter program having a two-month waiting list and the potential benefits of full funding.
Public Comments
One citizen, Joe Nelson, addressed the council, commending them for an engaging and interesting discussion that he felt focused on the 'people's business.'
Coming Up
Tabled
- Item 8B was deferred until July 15th.
Deadlines
- Bids for the Fairgrounds Expo Center are due July 10th.
- Construction contract for the Fairgrounds Expo Center is scheduled for approval on July 29th.
- Notice to proceed for the Fairgrounds Expo Center is anticipated around August 1st.
- A public hearing for the new Child Care Ordinance is set for June 17th.
- Final adoption for the new Child Care Ordinance is scheduled for July 1st.
Watch For
- Recommendations on staffing for vacant/abandoned buildings enforcement are expected within the next month.
- A joint city council/Planning Commission Workshop on the Comprehensive Plan is anticipated this fall.
- The final draft of the Comprehensive Plan is expected this summer.
Announcements
- The City-County Health Department opened a new South temporary facility at the former Hillcrest Hospital, providing immunization, primary care, and mental health services, with plans for a permanent facility.
- A suggestion was made to put a CPR demonstration on the city's website for public access during summer months.
- The Kitchen Park dedication is scheduled for this afternoon (June 10th) at 1:30 PM at Southeast 119th and Sunnyland.
- Successful neighborhood picnics were held in Windsor Forest and Briarwood over the weekend.
- Representatives from Friends of 10th Street attended CPTED training in Nevada to learn about architecturally impacting crime in multi-family housing.
- Sergeant Scowl and Major Becker were commended for their continued efforts on the crime initiative in the 10th Street area.
Agenda Summary
Item 4A
Receive the journal of council proceedings for May 27th and June 3rd.
Item 4B
Approve the journal of council proceedings for May 13th and May 20th.
Item 5
Request for uncontested continuances, including striking several items related to dilapidated/unsecured structures where owners had taken action.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA) Items
Five items, including a resolution waiving formal competitive bidding on removing dilapidated structures/demolition services.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPPA) Items
Four items.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (OCEAT) Items
Three items.
Consent Docket (excluding Item 7X)
Remainder of the consent docket, following presentations on MAPS 3 projects.
Item 7X
Concurrence docket item regarding authorization to negotiate an economic development agreement for a retail entity.
Item 8A1
Zoning case in Ward 6 at 914 North Broadway Avenue (AB3 issue) for a theater to serve alcohol.
Item 8A2
Zoning case in Ward 8 at 14620 Mezzaluna Avenue to become a new Planned Unit Development (PUD) for a multi-family project.
Item 8A3
Zoning case in Ward 1 at 10701 North Rockwell Avenue to become a new Simplified Planning Development (PUD) to add a restaurant use.
Item 8B
An item deferred until July 15th.
Item 8C
Closing of a utility in Ward 8, between 165th and 166th Street in Bluff Canyon, to vacate streets and easements for a new office warehouse complex.
Item 8D
Issue in Ward 1 to operate an auto dealership on 39th Street (special permit).
Item 8E
Final hearing on regulations for parking for physically disabled.
Item 8F
Final hearing on the makeup and membership of the Design Review Committee.
Item 8G
Final hearing on regulations involving the HP District.
Item 8H
Public hearing on petty cash procedures at the Development Center.
Item 8I
Introduction of a new ordinance regarding child care issues, aligning with state law and building codes, including changes to the definition of child care and family child care homes.
Item 8J
Public hearing regarding dilapidated structures.
Item 8K
Public hearing regarding unsecured structures.
Item 8L
Resolution adopting the 2014-2015 annual budget.
Item 8M
Public hearing on the annual resolution to solidify the public safety sales tax for the fire department.
Item 8N
Public hearing on the annual resolution to solidify the public safety sales tax for the police department.
Item 8O
Revocable right-of-way use permit for OKC Fest LLC for an outdoor music festival.
Item 8P1
Revocable permit to hold the Classen 10 Pin Community Festival on June 28th in McKinley Park.
Item 8P2
Request to hold the Juneteenth Festival in Washington Park on June 14th.
Item 8Q
An item that did not require Executive Session.
Item 8R
An item that did not require Executive Session.
Item 8S
An item that did not require Executive Session.
Item 8T
An item with no update necessary.
Item 8U
Claims recommended for denial.
Item 9
Claims recommended for approval.
Item 10A
City business related to travel expenses for two council members to attend the Integrated Emergency Management course.
Item 10B
Travel expenses for council members representing the city on National League of Cities committees.