Meeting Summary
The City Council addressed a range of issues, including the highly debated urban farming ordinance, which saw the chicken-keeping aspect denied while other urban agriculture changes were adopted. A request to release a private study on a potential convention center hotel was also denied. Additionally, the council approved various zoning cases, parking changes, and collective bargaining agreements, and authorized a 2% raise for the City Manager, Municipal Counselor, and City Auditor.
Key Decisions & Votes
Urban Farming Ordinance (Chickens)
01:00:50A proposal to allow the keeping of urban hens on smaller lots was debated extensively, with proponents citing health benefits and freedom, and opponents raising concerns about nuisance and public perception. The motion failed 7-2.
Urban Farming Ordinance (General)
01:03:00An ordinance modifying general urban farming regulations, including an amendment to allow two small above-ground rainwater storage containers in front yards, was approved.
Beverly Drive Name Change
00:40:00A proposal to rename Beverly Drive to 'Scooter's Way' in Ward 7 was denied 7-2, with council members citing adherence to existing street naming policy despite no public protest.
City Manager, Municipal Counselor, and City Auditor Salary Increase
01:42:00A 2% raise was approved for the City Manager, Municipal Counselor, and City Auditor, effective January 1st.
Animal Welfare Ordinance Changes
01:09:00An ordinance was introduced and approved to allow the direct transfer of impounded cats, kittens, and puppies from the shelter to foster care to reduce disease exposure and increase adoption rates.
IRS Flexible Benefits Regulations (Firefighters)
01:13:00Changes to conform to new IRS regulations allowing up to $500 of flexible benefits to roll over into the next plan year for firefighters were approved.
IRS Flexible Benefits Regulations (City Plan)
01:13:30Changes to conform to new IRS regulations allowing up to $500 of flexible benefits to roll over into the next plan year for city employees were approved.
Collective Bargaining Agreement (Police)
01:14:00The collective bargaining agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), which had been ratified by its membership, was approved.
Collective Bargaining Agreement (AFSCME)
01:14:30The collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME, which had been ratified by its membership, was approved.
Release of CSNL Study
01:29:00A motion to request the release of a private study conducted by Convention Sports & Leisure (CSNL) regarding convention center market conditions and a potential hotel was denied 3-6. Council members debated the public's right to information versus the private nature of the study.
Upcoming Community Events
Opening Night
Downtown Oklahoma City, beautiful weather expected.
Financial Matters
Sales and Use Tax Collection Report
December collections were up 2.2% over last year but 1% under target for the year. Use tax was exceptionally high, a million dollars over expectations.
Salary Increase for City Manager, Municipal Counselor, and City Auditor
A 2% raise was approved for these three council-appointed employees, effective January 1st.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Zoning case 8a4 (SPUD 1514) deferred until January 21st
- Zoning case 8a5 (SPUD 729) deferred until March 4th
Deadlines
- Public hearing for Animal Welfare Ordinance changes: January 7th
- Final adoption for Animal Welfare Ordinance changes: January 14th
Watch For
- Further discussion on urban chicken ordinances
- Review of municipal judge's salaries
- Continued discussions and initiatives on state water policy
Announcements
- Chad Green from the City Rescue Mission led the invocation and encouraged holiday giving.
- Councilman John Greenwell thanked staff and Oklahoma City Public Schools for addressing flooding issues at Edwards Elementary School.
- Councilman Pete White thanked staff and unions for their work on collective bargaining agreements.
- Councilman David Greenwell encouraged attendees of Opening Night to use the new Crosstown exit for I-40 access.
- Councilwoman Meg Salyer thanked staff and wished everyone a safe and healthy New Year, mentioning Opening Night.
- Councilman John Greenwell wished Happy New Year to Ward 7 residents and recognized city staff, union officials, and the Chamber of Commerce.
- Councilman Pat Ryan wished Happy New Year and commented on the city's potential and the importance of diverse opinions on the council.
- Boy Scouts from Troop 385 were recognized for attending the meeting as part of their Eagle Scout requirements.
- City Manager provided a report on December sales and use tax collections, noting mixed results but overall positive economic outlook.
- City Manager highlighted numerous city accomplishments over the past two months, including GE announcement, C21 hotel, General Records building solution, new office tower, elementary school, housing addition, police headquarters, Southwestern project, 164th and Penn intersection, Western streetscape, sidewalks, trails, and new ordinances (special events, urban agriculture, vacant/abandoned buildings).
- Councilman Pete White reported on a positive meeting with the new Oklahoma Water Resources Board member and Farm Bureau president regarding state water policy and Oklahoma City's role in water transfer infrastructure.
Agenda Summary
Item 3a, 3b, 3c
Motion to move items into executive session.
Item 4a
Receive the journal of council proceedings for December 17th.
Item 4b
Approve the journal of council proceedings for December 3rd.
Item 5
Requests for uncontested continuances for items 8a4 (SPUD 1514) and 8a5 (SPUD 729).
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (MFA) Items
Three items on the MFA agenda.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (PPA) Items
Four items on the PPA agenda, with a request for clarification on a change order.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (OCEAT) Items
Two items on the OCEAT agenda.
Consent Docket
Routine items grouped for a single vote.
Concurrence Docket
Items requiring council concurrence, including addressing flooding at Edwards Elementary School.
Item 8a1
Zoning case and ABC issue in Ward 8 at 1441 West Memorial Road for an entertainment/event center.
Item 8a2
ABC issue in Ward 2 at 7801 North May Avenue.
Item 8a3
Zoning case in Ward 8 at 6300 Northwest 164th Street for a new Planned Unit Development (PUD).
Item 8a4
Zoning case (SPUD 1514).
Item 8a5
Zoning case (SPUD 729).
Item 8a6
Zoning case in Ward 7 at 500 Southeast 15th Street to consolidate multiple zoning districts into a new SPUD for Skyline Ministries expansion.
Item 8b
Proposal to close a portion of Broadway Place in Ward 6 to facilitate dealership expansion and security improvements.
Item 8c
Name change proposal for Beverly Drive in Ward 7 to 'Scooter's Way'.
Item 8d
Ordinance for final hearing related to IRS regulations.
Item 8e
Ordinance for final hearing to modify the outdoor events policy.
Item 8f
Urban farming ordinance specific to the keeping of chickens.
Item 8g
Urban farming ordinance with broader changes, including an amendment for rainwater storage containers.
Item 8h1
Traffic Commission item regarding parking on the northeast side of Second Street in Ward 7.
Item 8h2
Traffic Commission item regarding a parking issue in Ward 7.
Item 8h3
Traffic Commission item regarding a parking issue in Ward 7.
Item 8h4
Traffic Commission item regarding a parking issue in Ward 7.
Item 8i
Introduction of an ordinance to modify the animal welfare policy, allowing direct transfer of impounded cats, kittens, and puppies to foster care.
Item 8j
Changes in IRS regulations regarding flexible benefits for firefighters' plans.
Item 8k
Changes in IRS regulations regarding flexible benefits for the city's plan.
Item 8l
Collective bargaining agreement with police union (FOP).
Item 8m
Collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME union.
Item 8n
Resolution reflecting changes in management and tuition assistance program.
Item 8o
Payroll and personnel department item for general non-representative employees.
Item 8p
Item for executive session.
Item 8q
Item for executive session.
Item 8r
Item for executive session.
Item 8s
Claims recommended for denial.
Item 9
Claims recommended for approval.
Item 10a
Request for the release of the CSNL study on convention center market conditions.
Executive Session Outcome
Decision on salaries for City Manager, Municipal Counselor, and City Auditor.