Meeting Summary
The City Council meeting included several recognitions for community members, approval of various zoning cases and administrative items. Key discussions revolved around the use of TIF funds for downtown development and a contentious public hearing on proposed fire code amendments impacting local recycling businesses, which was deferred for further collaboration. A new noise ordinance was introduced, and a resolution for city-paid travel disclosure was adopted.
Key Decisions & Votes
Recognition of Kenya Waiters
09:00A resolution was passed to officially recognize Kenya Waiters as the February 2014 Teacher of the Month.
Adoption of New Building Codes
50:00New building codes were adopted, including mandates for safe rooms in new construction, after a public hearing and council discussion.
Travel Disclosure Resolution
01:57:00A resolution was adopted requiring estimated costs and reasons for city-paid trips, outlining benefits to the city.
Upcoming Community Events
Windsor Hills Neighborhood Meeting
Theater in Windsor Hills Shopping Center, 10 AM
Town-hall meeting on Public Safety
Francis Tuttle, Reno campus (Reno & Rockwell), 6:30 PM
Starlight Supper
Bicentennial Park, proceeds to Untitled Art Gallery
Developers Luncheon
Skirvin Hotel
Downtown Employee Appreciation Week
Rock the Boat
Downtown Dash
Part of 'We Run This Town' series
Free Ice Cream Day
Outdoor Concert
Automobile Alley Shop Hop
Premiere on Film Row
Downtown in December
Redhawks Opening Day
National Anthem Tryouts
Penn Square Mall
High School Baseball Games
29 games at the ballpark
Financial Matters
TIF-2 Projects (21c Hotel, Sensory Center, Journal Record building)
Discussion on TIF-2 funding, including grants and low-interest loans for downtown development, aiming to fill financial gaps for projects.
Old bond issues cleanup
Cleaning up small amounts from old bond issues, putting money back into accounts.
Park Avenue retail enhancement study
$80,000 study ($40k from Economic Development Trust) to maximize retail and street activation on Park Avenue.
DOKC BID Budget
FY2013 budget of $1.5M, with 43% allocated to clean & safe operations and 18-19% to administration. 2014 budget includes additions for a Downtown Operations Coordinator, district identification signage, a reserve for underground flooding, and an event sponsorship fund.
Public Comments
Two citizens representing recycling businesses spoke against proposed fire code amendments, citing existing regulations, economic contributions, and practical difficulties, requesting collaboration. Two residents from the JFK Neighborhood expressed severe concerns about noise, explosions, property damage, and potential health impacts from the recycling facilities, advocating for stronger regulations. Another citizen requested cancellation of his recycling business SPD due to city project conflicts and ethical concerns, while a non-profit representative sought assistance with a citation for a community garden fence.
Coming Up
Tabled
- PC 10360 (Item 8a1) deferred to February 25th
- Fire Code ordinance (Item 8d) deferred to February 25th
Watch For
- New noise ordinance regulation (public hearing February 25th)
- Resolution on Eastern Flyer line (in two weeks)
Announcements
- Pam Henry was honored for 40 years of service to the Mayor's Committee on Disability Concerns, including 9 years as chair.
- Kenya Waiters was recognized as February 2014 Teacher of the Month by the Putnam City Schools Foundation and Rotary Club of Oklahoma City.
- Jessica Caldwell was commended as the Oklahoma State Boys and Girls Club 2013 Youth of the Year.
- Downtown Oklahoma City Inc. reported on significant 2013 developments, including new GE and OG&E headquarters, various hotels, residential projects, and educational facilities.
- The Redhawks baseball organization provided a recap of their 2013 season, highlighting attendance growth, community involvement, and upcoming ballpark improvements.
Agenda Summary
Resolution to recognize and commend Kenya Waiters
Recognizing Kenya Waiters as February 2014 Teacher of the Month by the Putnam City Schools Foundation and Rotary Club of Oklahoma City.
Receive and approve Journal of Council Proceedings
Receiving the Journal for January 28th and February 4th, and approving for January 21st.
Request for uncontested continuances
Various items deferred or stricken from the agenda due to applicant requests or administrative errors.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA) items
Consideration of items under the Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPPA) items
Consideration of items under the Oklahoma City Public Property Authority.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (OCEAT) items
Consideration of items under the Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust.
Consent Docket
A collection of routine administrative and minor policy items, including discussions on TIF-2 projects and old bond issue cleanups.
Concurrence Docket
A collection of routine administrative and minor policy items, including discussion on the Park Avenue retail enhancement study.
Zoning case 8301 West Memorial Road (Ward 8)
Change from Double A agricultural to a new Planned Unit Development (PUD).
Zoning case 90420 Southwest 15th Street (Ward 3)
Change from R1 single family/Double A agriculture to a new Planned Unit Development (PUD).
Zoning case 9900 South May Avenue (Ward 5)
Change from existing PUD to a new PUD, reducing density and enhancing the area with lake amenities.
Close alley near 13717 Plymouth Crossing (Ward 7)
Request to close an alley.
Close alley on Agnew between Southwest (Ward 6)
Request to close an alley.
Public Hearing regarding new building codes
Public hearing and adoption of new building codes, including mandates for safe rooms in new construction.
Public Hearing regarding the fire code amendments
Public hearing on proposed amendments to the fire code, impacting local recycling businesses.
Introduction of new noise ordinance regulation
Introduction of amendments to the current noise ordinance, including removing 'unamplified' for public speaking and removing permit limits for business/entertainment districts.
Public Hearing regarding dilapidated structures
Public hearing on dilapidated structures.
Public Hearing regarding specific structure in historic preservation district (Ward 2)
Public hearing on a specific structure.
Public Hearing regarding unsecured structures
Public hearing on unsecured structures.
Executive Session (not needed), approve resolution
Resolution approval after executive session deemed unnecessary.
Executive Session (not needed), approve resolution
Resolution approval after executive session deemed unnecessary.
Executive Session
Item moved to executive session for discussion.
Claims recommended for denial
Consideration of claims recommended for denial.
Claims recommended for approval
Consideration of claims recommended for approval.
Resolution on travel disclosure for city-paid trips
Resolution requiring estimated costs and benefits for city-paid travel.