Meeting Summary
The City Council meeting covered a range of topics including the recognition of February as Allied Arts Month, several zoning cases, and the introduction of new building and fire codes. Significant discussion revolved around proposed changes to the fire code concerning wrecking yards and the potential requirement for safe rooms in new school construction. The Myriad Gardens also provided an update on their operations and financial progress.
Key Decisions & Votes
Journal of Council Proceedings
05:00The Journal of Council Proceedings for January 21st and January 14th were received and approved.
Uncontested Continuances
05:20Several items were continued, including a resolution from Council, an item regarding 3212 Northeast 12th Street West, and items for the Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority, Oklahoma City Public Property Authority, and Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust.
Consent Docket
10:00The consent docket was approved after minor questions regarding police helicopter modifications, an estimated cost calculation, a traffic light at General Pershing Boulevard and Villa, and energy efficiency payback for a conservation block grant.
Concurrent Docket
13:00The concurrent docket was approved without further discussion.
Zoning Case 8A1 (312 & 320 NW 23rd St)
13:40A zoning case in Ward 6, a very active corridor, was approved as recommended by the Planning Commission with no protests.
Zoning Case 8A2 (1544 SW 119th St)
14:30A zoning case in Ward 5 to change R1 single-family to C3 commercial for a drainage area adjacent to a mini-storage facility was approved.
Zoning Case 8A3 (1321 SE 66th St)
15:30A zoning case in Ward 4 to change a Planned Unit Development to I2 moderate industrial was approved.
Zoning Case 8A4 (7825 Winnie St)
16:00A zoning case in Ward 3 to change R4 General residential to I1 light Industrial was deferred for two weeks due to lack of applicant response regarding an easement.
Zoning Case 8A5 (8731 S McKinley Ave)
17:00A zoning case in Ward 5 to change R1 single-family to a new simplified Planned Unit Development was approved with significant modifications to address neighbor concerns, including retaining R1 zoning for the front 120 feet and limiting commercial use to outdoor storage with height restrictions and screening.
Zoning Case 8A6 (18200 N May)
22:00A zoning case in Ward 8 to change a Planned Unit Development to a simplified Planned Unit Development for duplex residential was approved with an emergency clause.
Zoning Case 8A7 (1215 NE 34th St)
23:00A zoning case in Ward 7 for a charter school was deferred for four weeks due to ongoing issues and a recommendation from the interim superintendent to end the contract with the school.
Zoning Case 8A8 (301 NW 104th St)
24:30A zoning case in Ward 7 to change R1 single-family residential and I1 light industrial to a new simplified Planned Unit Development was approved.
Zoning Case 8A9 (3901 S Walker)
25:00A zoning case in Ward 4 to change R1 single-family to a new simplified Planned Unit Development for a wellness facility on a high school campus was approved.
Special Permit 8B (Moore School District)
27:00A special permit for the Moore School District to erect a junior high school and a field house in Ward 5 was approved with an emergency clause, with discussions about traffic concerns and walkability components.
Ordinance 8C (Lake Stanley Draper Wet Stalls)
30:00An ordinance regarding the details for the rental of wet stalls at Lake Stanley Draper was approved for final hearing.
Introduction of New Building Codes (8D)
30:30The introduction of the IBC 2009 commercial building code was approved, setting a public hearing for February 11th and final adoption for February 18th. Discussions included changes to occupancy load for sprinklers and residential-style office buildings, and the possibility of requiring safe rooms in new school construction.
Introduction of New Fire Codes (8E)
39:00The introduction of the International Fire Code 2009 was approved, setting a public hearing for February 11th and final adoption for February 18th. Key changes include operational permits for wrecking yards with specific requirements to prevent explosions, and adjustments to the general schedule of fees.
Public Hearing 8F (Dilapidated Structures)
50:00The public hearing regarding dilapidated structures was approved.
Public Hearing 8G (Unsecured Structures)
50:30The public hearing regarding unsecured structures was approved.
Resolution 8H (Women's College World Series)
51:00A resolution reflecting the city's continued involvement in securing the Women's College World Series through 2035, including financing for stadium expansion, was approved.
Claims Recommended for Denial (8J)
55:00Claims recommended for denial were approved.
Claims Recommended for Approval (9)
55:30Claims recommended for approval were approved.
Upcoming Community Events
Allied Arts Month
Proclaimed by the Mayor and Council, recognizing the impact of arts on the community and economy. Allied Arts aims to reach a $3.2 million goal this year.
Myriad Gardens Events
Includes tornado relief efforts, egg hunts, Oklahoma in Bloom, Splendor in the Gardens Gala, full moon bike rides, concerts, movie nights, yoga, and children's reading programs.
Orchid Show at Crystal Bridge
New event to attract more visitors to the Crystal Bridge.
Gardening School / Chicken School
Featuring national expert Roslyn Creasy, educating on urban agriculture and keeping chickens.
Secret Garden Family Festival
Bringing books to life.
Financial Matters
Allied Arts Impact
Non-profit arts industry's impact on the state's economy, supporting over 10,000 jobs and generating over $29 million in state and local government revenues.
Allied Arts Allocation
Amount allocated by Allied Arts since 1973 to Central Oklahoma's art community.
Police Helicopter Modifications
Estimated cost for modifications to two police helicopters.
Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant
Grant for energy efficiency, with an additional $1,000 from the Capital Improvement Fund. Estimated payback period of 8-9 years for the full amount, much sooner for the city's investment.
Myriad Gardens Budget (2013-14)
Total annual budget for the Myriad Gardens. The Foundation aims to contribute 44% through earned revenue and fundraising.
Myriad Gardens Staffing Cost Savings
Achieved by transitioning to an all-private non-profit staff.
Myriad Gardens Security Cost Savings
Achieved by changing the way security was handled.
Myriad Gardens Crystal Bridge Admissions (2012-13)
Revenue from Crystal Bridge admissions, showing modest growth.
Myriad Gardens Rental and Retail Growth
Tremendous growth in rental and retail revenue.
Myriad Gardens Ice Rink Commission
Annual commission from the ice rink.
Myriad Gardens June Gala
New event that brought in a lot of new money for fundraising.
Myriad Gardens Membership Revenue
Growing membership revenue, with a goal of $70,000.
Myriad Gardens Grants (2012-13)
Significant increase in grant funding from the previous year.
Myriad Gardens Pending Grants
Amount of grants currently pending, expected to exceed the budgeted total of $60,000.
Women's College World Series Stadium Expansion
Financing for considerable construction and stadium expansion to be included in future bond elections (likely 2017).
Public Comments
Reverend Jesse Jackson Jr. and residents Ron Walters and Danietta Davis spoke passionately about the ongoing issue of explosions from wrecking yards in their neighborhoods, causing property damage and environmental concerns. They urged the council to implement stricter regulations, fines, or even business closures for repeat offenders.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Resolution from Council (indefinitely postponed)
- Item 8A4 (7825 Winnie St) - deferred for two weeks
- Item 8A7 (1215 NE 34th St) - deferred for four weeks
Deadlines
- Public hearing for new building codes: February 11th
- Final adoption for new building codes: February 18th
- Public hearing for new fire codes: February 11th
- Final adoption for new fire codes: February 18th
Watch For
- Discussion on requiring safe rooms in new residential construction
- Further details on the I-240 Envision project and economic development around the airport
- Conclusion of the Plan OKC process and its innovative ideas for residential development
- Continued discussion and potential ordinance on allowing hens in residential areas
- Myriad Gardens' new music festival and other growing events
Announcements
- February 2014 is Allied Arts Month in Oklahoma City.
- The City of Tulsa will weigh in on a resolution before it is brought back to the council.
- The Myriad Gardens has made significant progress in its public-private partnership, achieving cost savings and growing earned revenue.
- The Myriad Gardens is addressing maintenance issues and planning new features like a prairie dog sculpture and a new terrace.
- The Myriad Gardens will host a 'Chicken School' on March 14th to educate residents on keeping chickens.
Agenda Summary
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Led by Greg Giltner, chaplain at the Oklahoma City Police Department, and Councilman David Greenwell.
Allied Arts Month Proclamation
Presentation and proclamation recognizing February 2014 as Allied Arts Month in Oklahoma City.
Item 4A: Receive Journal of Council Proceedings for January 21st
Receiving the official record of council proceedings.
Item 4B: Approve Journal of Council Proceedings for January 14th
Approving the official record of council proceedings.
Item 5: Request for Uncontested Continuances
Requests to postpone discussion or action on various agenda items.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA) Continuances
Continuance of six items related to the OCMFA, including elevator replacement at 100 North Walker.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPPA) Continuances
Continuance of four items related to the OCPPA.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (OCEAT) Continuances
Continuance of claims and payroll items for the OCEAT.
Consent Docket
A group of routine items approved in one vote, with minor questions on specific items.
Concurrent Docket
A group of items approved in one vote, typically without discussion.
Item 8A1: Zoning Case (312 & 320 NW 23rd St)
Zoning case in Ward 6, recommended for approval by the Planning Commission.
Item 8A2: Zoning Case (1544 SW 119th St)
Zoning case in Ward 5 to change R1 single-family to C3 commercial.
Item 8A3: Zoning Case (1321 SE 66th St)
Zoning case in Ward 4 to change a Planned Unit Development to I2 moderate industrial.
Item 8A4: Zoning Case (7825 Winnie St)
Zoning case in Ward 3 to change R4 General residential to I1 light Industrial.
Item 8A5: Zoning Case (8731 S McKinley Ave)
Zoning case in Ward 5 to change R1 single-family to a new simplified Planned Unit Development.
Item 8A6: Zoning Case (18200 N May)
Zoning case in Ward 8 to change a Planned Unit Development to a simplified Planned Unit Development.
Item 8A7: Zoning Case (1215 NE 34th St)
Zoning case in Ward 7 for a new simplified Planning Development related to a charter school.
Item 8A8: Zoning Case (301 NW 104th St)
Zoning case in Ward 7 to change R1 single-family residential and I1 light industrial to a new simplified Planned Unit Development.
Item 8A9: Zoning Case (3901 S Walker)
Zoning case in Ward 4 to change R1 single-family to a new simplified Planned Unit Development for a wellness facility.
Item 8B: Special Permit (Moore School District)
Special permit for the Moore School District to erect a junior high school and a field house.
Item 8C: Ordinance (Lake Stanley Draper Wet Stalls)
Ordinance regarding the rental of wet stalls at Lake Stanley Draper for final hearing.
Item 8D: Introduction of New Building Codes
Introduction of the IBC 2009 commercial building code, including discussion on safe rooms in schools.
Item 8E: Introduction of New Fire Codes
Introduction of the International Fire Code 2009, with focus on operational permits for wrecking yards.
Item 8F: Public Hearing (Dilapidated Structures)
Public hearing regarding dilapidated structures.
Item 8G: Public Hearing (Unsecured Structures)
Public hearing regarding unsecured structures.
Item 8H: Resolution (Women's College World Series)
Resolution reflecting the city's continued involvement in securing the Women's College World Series.
Item 8I: Executive Session
Executive session was not needed.
Item 8J: Claims Recommended for Denial
Review and approval of claims recommended for denial.
Item 9: Claims Recommended for Approval
Review and approval of claims recommended for approval.
Item 10: Items from Council
Council members' comments and updates on various city matters.
City Manager Reports
Update from Maureen Heffernan on the Myriad Gardens' operations and financial progress.
Citizens to be Heard
Opportunity for citizens to address the council.