Meeting Summary
The City Council meeting was largely dedicated to celebrating Oklahoma City's 125th anniversary and proclaiming the Festival of the Arts week. Key actions included approving numerous zoning and easement cases, a significant Plan Unit Development despite Planning Commission opposition, and several revocable right-of-way permits for upcoming community events. The council also discussed an ordinance regarding gifts to elected officials and received updates on city appointments.
Key Decisions & Votes
Zoning Case: 14618 North Council Road (AA to PUD)
Despite a recommendation for denial from the Planning Commission and public concerns regarding density and traffic, the council approved the rezoning from AA Agricultural to a new Plan Unit Development. An amendment was made to limit patio homes to 60 lots in Track 2, with the remainder adhering to R1 single-family regulations.
Ordinance on Gifts to Mayor and Council Members
An ordinance discussing the limits on gifts received and accepted by Mayors and council members was approved to move forward for a final hearing next week, following a public hearing and council discussion on definitions and monetary limits.
Upcoming Community Events
OCU South Pacific Performance
Tickets available via the OCU website or box office at 208-5227.
City Hall Open House
From 8 AM to 5 PM, featuring a historic exhibit, free birthday cake, tours of City Hall, and visits by mascots Derek and Cooper from noon to 2 PM.
Illustrated History Lesson
In the City Chamber, provided by historian Dr. Bob Blackburn and architect Jim Loftus.
Spokies Bike History Tour
A free tour starting from the downtown library.
Free Metro Transit Bus Rides
Offered all day in celebration of Earth Day and Oklahoma City's birthday.
Festival of the Arts
Kicks off at 11 AM today and runs through Sunday at 6 PM, featuring visual and performing arts, local food, and children's art activities inspired by Oklahoma City's history.
El Dia de los Ninos Children's Day
On Southwest 29th Street between Western and Walker, from 12 PM to 6 PM. Features activities for kids, Red Cross preparedness, Metropolitan Library System projects, clowns, balloons, and food.
Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon
Expecting 24,854 runners, with two races already sold out. Streets will be closed in a phased process. Cooperation with downtown merchants and Automobile Alley businesses has improved.
McNelly's Pub Run
Fourth annual event with approximately 1,000 runners, rolling through Mesta Park and Heritage Hills. Starts at 3 PM, covers 4 miles, and will feature a live remote by a franchise radio station.
Walk a Mile in My Shoes
At the Bricktown ballpark. An awareness event for children in foster care, where participants are asked to bring a suitcase and a new pair of shoes for donation.
Financial Matters
Database Sharing Operation and Intel System Upgrade
A proposal for a database sharing operation (Blaze system) and an upgrade to the Intel system for information sharing among metro agencies.
Police Helicopter Sales
Declaring two current police helicopters obsolete and surplus for auction, with funds to offset the cost of new Eurocopters.
Hotel Motel Tax
Report on the strong performance of the hotel motel tax this month.
Public Comments
Three citizens spoke on various agenda items. Concerns were raised regarding the density and traffic impact of a proposed Plan Unit Development, the status and future of a fire-damaged dilapidated property, and the demolition plans for an unsecured building.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Final hearing on the ordinance regarding gifts to Mayor and Council members (next week)
- Discussions with staff on the dilapidated structure at 1151 Northeast 23rd Street for potential demolition or partial retention
- Discussions with staff on the unsecured structure at 1405 North Council Road for demolition and cleanup
Announcements
- Oklahoma City is celebrating its 125th anniversary on April 22, 2014, with various festivities including a performance by OCU, recognition of former mayors and council members, and a proclamation.
- The 48th Annual Festival of the Arts is proclaimed for April 22-27, 2014, emphasizing its sustainable practices and the contributions of 5,000 volunteers.
- New department head appointments were announced: Aubrey Hammond tree as permanent Planning Director and Doug Copper from Wichita, Kansas, as the new Parks Director.
Agenda Summary
Item 3: Appointment for Riverfront Development Authority
Consideration of an appointment to the Riverfront Development Authority.
Item 4: Receive Journal of council proceedings for April 15th and approve for April 8th
Formal acceptance of the journal for April 15th and approval of the journal for April 8th.
Item 5: Request for uncontested continuances
Requests to strike or re-notify several items for future consideration.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA) Items
Consideration of items related to the Municipal Facilities Authority, including discussion on the Central Maintenance Facility project.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPPA) Items
Consideration of claims and payroll for the Public Property Authority.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (OCEAT) Items
Consideration of two items for the Environmental Assistance Trust.
Consent Docket
A collection of routine administrative and operational items approved together.
Item 8A1: Zoning case, 136 Northeast 51st Street
Request to rezone from R1 Single Family Residential to I2 Moderate Industrial District.
Item 8A2: Zoning case, 1411 Southeast 19th Street
Request to rezone from R1 Single Family and AE2 Airport Environ Zone Two District to a new Simplified Plan Unit Development.
Item 8B1: Easement case, 701 West Britton Road
Request to close an alley to facilitate development on land previously owned by the school board.
Item 8B2: Easement issue, 12901 Jasmine Lane
Easement vacation as part of a re-platting of Hidden Creek Section 5, with Section 7 taking its place.
Item 8B3: Easement issue, North Walker Avenue near 56th and 57th Street
Easement issue with unanimous Planning Commission approval and no protests.
Item 8C: Zoning case, 14618 North Council Road
Request to rezone from AA Agricultural to a new Plan Unit Development, previously recommended for denial by the Planning Commission.
Item 8D: Public hearing regarding dilapidated structures
Public hearing on properties identified as dilapidated, including 1151 Northeast 23rd Street.
Item 8E: Public hearing regarding unsecured structures
Public hearing on properties identified as unsecured, including 1405 North Council.
Item 8F1: Revocable right-of-way permit, Greater Oklahoma City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Permit for the El Dia de los Ninos Children's Day event on April 27th.
Item 8F2: Revocable right-of-way permit, Oklahoma City Marathon Inc
Permit for the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon.
Item 8F3: Revocable right-of-way permit, Red Coyote Running in Fitness
Permit for the McNelly's Pub Run.
Item 8F4: Revocable right-of-way permit, Donald Wolfe
Permit for the Walk a Mile in My Shoes event on April 26th.
Item 8G: Executive session to discuss collective bargaining issues
Motion to move discussion on collective bargaining issues with labor unions to executive session.
Item 8H: Legal issue
Motion to move discussion on a legal issue to executive session.
Item 8I: Struck
Item removed from the agenda.
Item 8J: Claims recommended for denial
Review and vote on claims recommended for denial.
Item 9: Ordinance from Councilman Shade and Councilman Ryan
Public hearing on an ordinance discussing gifts received and accepted by Mayors and council members.