Meeting Summary
The city council recognized the January 2014 Teacher of the Month and addressed various routine city matters. Key discussions included the deferral of a contentious zoning case for further negotiation, the introduction of new fees for Lake Stanley Draper boat slips, and a comprehensive report on the city's successful initiatives to combat homelessness, including the '100,000 Homes Program' and a new single-room occupancy housing project. Council members also raised concerns regarding a potential state-owned rail line sale and explored options for a commercial paper program.
Key Decisions & Votes
Recognition of January 2014 Teacher of the Month, Courtney Keck
04:00A resolution was adopted commending Courtney Keck from Putnam City West High School for her teaching excellence and extensive extracurricular involvement.
Zoning Case for 8731 S McKinley Avenue
24:00A request to rezone a property from R1 single-family residential to a new SPUD was postponed for two weeks to allow for further negotiation on proposed modifications, including eliminating access to McKinley Avenue and potentially addressing drainage issues.
Foster Pet Program
24:30The council approved the foster pet program after its final hearing.
Introduction of Ordinance for Lake Stanley Draper Boat Slip Fees
28:00An ordinance was introduced to set annual fees of $2760 or $230 monthly for 34 new, larger boat stalls at Lake Stanley Draper, with a public hearing scheduled for January 21st.
Revocable Right-of-Way Permit for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade
32:00A permit was granted for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade on January 20th, following discussions on the route, staging areas, and traffic management during Project 180.
Upcoming Community Events
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade
Downtown Oklahoma City, route and staging areas discussed, Robinson Ave to remain open until parade kickoff.
Financial Matters
Lake Stanley Draper Boat Slip Fees
Proposed fees for 34 new, larger boat stalls (14x38 feet) at Lake Stanley Draper, designed to recover operational costs and debt service.
Commercial Paper Program for Geo Bond Program
Discussion about investigating the implementation of a commercial paper program to bridge funding gaps for geo bond projects, potentially saving money through lower interest rates.
Cost of Homelessness Study
A 2010 study found the community spent $11 million annually outside traditional homeless services on non-traditional providers like police, fire, EMSA, county jail, hospitals, and emergency rooms for homeless individuals. One chronically homeless individual cost $160,000 in one year.
SRO Housing Project Capital Costs
Capital funding for 20 units of Single Room Occupancy (SRO) housing on the Homeless Alliance campus.
SRO Housing Project Operating Funding
Operating funding for the SRO project will come from project-based rental assistance through the Oklahoma City Housing Authority.
Public Comments
Two citizens spoke during agenda item discussions. Tara Lyons expressed strong neighborhood opposition to a proposed commercial zoning change, citing drainage issues and a desire to maintain residential character. Joseph Tober discussed challenges with insurance and raccoon damage to his property, which was listed as a dilapidated structure. No one signed up for general 'citizens to be heard.'
Coming Up
Tabled
- Zoning case for 8731 S McKinley Avenue (postponed for two weeks)
Deadlines
- Public hearing for Lake Stanley Draper boat slip fees: January 21st
- Final adoption for Lake Stanley Draper boat slip fees: January 28th
- Bid closure for state-owned rail line sale: end of January
Watch For
- Review of Lake Hefner boat slip rates (to be coordinated with Draper rates)
- Further investigation into commercial paper program for geo bonds
- Neighborhood meetings for Homeless Alliance SRO project PUD change (Thursday evening and following Tuesday)
- Follow-up on homelessness summit plan
Announcements
- Courtney Keck from Putnam City West High School was named January 2014 Teacher of the Month by the Putnam City Schools Foundation and Rotary Club of Oklahoma City.
- The Latino Leadership OKC Class Number One was recognized in the audience.
- Planning Director Russell Klaus's last meeting; a going away function is scheduled for Thursday from 4 to 6 PM at the museum.
- Representative Scott Inman praised Oklahoma City's MAPS projects and vision at the legislative conference.
- The Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade is scheduled for January 20th.
- The Homeless Alliance's 'Real Change Vouchers' are available to provide bus passes and shelter information to panhandlers instead of cash.
- The Curbside Chronicle, Oklahoma City's street magazine, provides employment and income for homeless individuals.
Agenda Summary
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Led by Pastor Mark McAdao and Councilman John Pettis.
Recognition of January 2014 Teacher of the Month
Courtney Keck from Putnam City West High School was recognized for her teaching excellence and extracurricular involvement.
4a - Receive Journal of Council Proceedings
Journal for January 7th and 8th.
4b - Approve Journal of Council Proceedings
Journal for December 31st.
5 - Request for Uncontested Continuances
Several items (8d1, 8d1a, 8g1b, 8g1f, 8g1o, 8g1q, 8g1r) were requested to be stricken or continued.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA)
Four items were considered by the authority.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPPA)
One item was considered by the authority.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (OCEAT)
Three items were considered by the trust, including discussion on equipment declaration.
Consent Docket
A collection of routine items, including a copier contract, an ordinance for land use definition, maintenance bonds, an after-school program, additional project work, and an audit report.
Concurrence Docket
Eleven items requiring concurrence.
8a - Zoning Case (8731 S McKinley Avenue)
Request to rezone from R1 single-family residential to a new SPUD. Discussion involved neighborhood opposition, drainage concerns, and proposed modifications by the applicant.
8b - Foster Pet Program
Final hearing on the foster pet program.
8c - Introduction of Ordinance to Set Fees for Lake Stanley Draper Boat Slips
Ordinance introduced to establish fees for 34 new boat stalls (14x38 feet) at Lake Stanley Draper.
8d - Public Hearing Regarding Dilapidated Structures
Public hearing for dilapidated structures.
8e - Public Hearing Regarding Dilapidated Structures in an HP District (900 NW 19th Street)
Public hearing for a dilapidated structure, with the resident speaking about raccoon damage and insurance issues.
8f - Public Hearing Regarding Long-Term Boarded Structures
Public hearing for six long-term boarded structures.
8g - Public Hearing Regarding Unsecured Structures
Public hearing for unsecured structures.
8h - Revocable Right-of-Way Permit for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade
Permit for the parade on January 20th, including discussion of route and traffic management.
8i - Executive Session Item
Item for executive session.
8j - Executive Session Item
Item for executive session.
City Manager Reports
Presentation by Dan Strong of the Homeless Alliance on homelessness initiatives, including the '100,000 Homes Program' and a new SRO housing project.