Meeting Summary
The City Council meeting covered a wide range of topics, including the recognition of Oklahoma City for its wellness initiatives, discussions on urban agriculture, and a detailed presentation on the feasibility of a convention center hotel. Key decisions included deferring salary and benefit establishments for council-reporting employees and approving various zoning changes. The meeting also featured a robust public hearing on urban chickens and other agricultural practices.
Key Decisions & Votes
Salary and Benefit Establishments
00:09:00The establishment of salaries and benefits for three employees reporting to the council and mayor was deferred for two weeks, aligning with upcoming contract votes for ESPY and police.
Journal of Council Proceedings
00:10:00The journal of council proceedings for December 3rd was received and the journal for November 18th was approved unanimously.
Easement Closure Request (Item 8c)
00:10:40A request for an easement closure was deferred until January 21, 2014, at the applicant's request.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA)
00:12:00The OCMFA meeting was convened and adjourned with unanimous approval of its items.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPPA)
00:12:30The OCPPA meeting was convened and adjourned with unanimous approval of its items, including a resolution for golf course courtesy rounds for a USGA event.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (OCEAT)
00:14:00The OCEAT meeting was convened and adjourned with unanimous approval of its four items.
Support for Neighborhood Housing Services (Item 6n)
00:30:00A resolution supporting Neighborhood Housing Services' application for affordable housing tax credits for a 48-unit senior housing project was approved 5-4, despite neighborhood opposition.
Consent Docket (Excluding Item 6n)
00:50:00All items on the consent docket, with the exception of item 6n, were approved unanimously.
Concurrence Docket
00:50:40All nine items on the concurrence docket were approved unanimously.
Zoning Case: 6900 N May (8a1)
00:51:30A zoning case in Ward 2 for an ABC issue at 6900 N May was approved unanimously.
Zoning Case: R1 Single Family Residential (8a2)
00:52:00A zoning case in Ward 1 to change a planned unit development to an R1 single-family residential district was approved unanimously.
Zoning Case: 624 N Cemetery Rd (8a3)
00:53:30A zoning case in Ward 3 to change an agricultural district and PUD to a new PUD at 624 N Cemetery Rd was approved unanimously.
Zoning Case: 13002 N Kelly (8a4)
00:54:30A zoning case in Ward 7 for a new PUD at 13002 N Kelly was approved unanimously.
Zoning Case: 1100 E Britain Rd (8a5)
00:55:00A zoning case in Ward 7 for a new PUD at 1100 E Britain Rd was approved unanimously.
Zoning Case: 1001 E Madison St (8a7)
00:56:30A zoning case in Ward 7 for a new simplified PUD at 1001 E Madison St was approved unanimously, with the applicant agreeing to install a sidewalk.
Planning Case: 3724 S Any Rd (8b1)
00:57:40A planning case in Ward 4, previously recommended for denial, to change an agricultural district to a single-family one-acre rural residential district was approved unanimously.
Planning Case: 10301 N I-35 Service Rd (8b2)
01:00:00A planning case in Ward 7, previously recommended for denial, for a new simplified PUD at 10301 N I-35 Service Rd was approved 7-1, with modifications to billboard technical evaluations.
Easement in Ward 6 (8d)
01:03:00An item dealing with an easement in Ward 6, related to the FOP lodge, was approved unanimously.
Amendment on Residential Track (8e1)
01:03:40An amendment on adding a residential track, suggested by Councilman Greiner, was approved unanimously.
Ordinance for Final Hearing (8e2)
01:04:00An ordinance for final hearing was approved unanimously.
Metered Parking Spaces on E Sheridan (8f)
01:04:40The removal of metered parking spaces on East Sheridan, recommended by the traffic commission, was approved unanimously.
Public Hearing: IRS Code Compliance (8g)
01:06:00A public hearing to bring the city into compliance with IRS code was moved forward unanimously.
Public Hearing: Special Events Ordinance (8h)
01:06:30A public hearing regarding a new ordinance involving special events was moved forward unanimously.
Public Hearing: Urban Ag (Item 8i - Chickens)
01:29:00The urban agriculture ordinance specifically pertaining to urban chickens (Item 8i) was moved forward to a final hearing on December 31st, with a 5-4 vote.
Public Hearing: Urban Ag (Item 8j - General)
01:29:30The urban agriculture ordinance pertaining to composting, gardens, and greenhouses (Item 8j) was moved forward to a final hearing on December 31st.
Public Hearing: Dilapidated Structures (8k)
01:29:50A public hearing regarding dilapidated structures was approved unanimously.
Public Hearing: Unsecured Structures (8l)
01:31:00A public hearing regarding unsecured structures was approved unanimously.
Revocable Right-of-Way Permit: Opening Night (8m1)
01:34:00A revocable right-of-way permit to hold 'Opening Night' on New Year's Eve was approved unanimously.
Revocable Right-of-Way Permit: New Year's Day Blast Off 5K (8m2)
01:35:30A revocable right-of-way permit to hold the 'New Year's Day Blast Off 5K' was approved unanimously.
Revocable Right-of-Way Permit: Freezer Face-Off 5K (8m3)
01:37:00A revocable right-of-way permit for the 'Freezer Face-Off 5K' on January 18th was approved unanimously.
Mayor's Election Authorization (8n1)
01:37:30The authorization for calling and holding the mayor's election was approved unanimously.
Mayor's Election Proclamation (8n2)
01:38:40The proclamation for the mayor's election was approved unanimously.
Dissolution of Sports Facility Oversight Board (8p)
01:59:00A motion to declare the mission of the Sports Facility Oversight Board complete and dissolve the committee was approved unanimously.
Claims Recommended for Denial (8s)
02:08:00Claims recommended for denial were denied unanimously, including a claim for vehicle damage due to low-hanging tree branches, as the city was not deemed liable.
Claims Recommended for Approval (9)
02:08:30All claims recommended for approval were approved unanimously.
USS Oklahoma City Contingent (10)
02:09:00A proposal for a city contingent to visit the USS Oklahoma City on the West Coast to enhance relationships was approved unanimously.
Upcoming Community Events
Opening Night
10 different venues in downtown Oklahoma City, 17 stages, over 40 performers, fireworks finale in Myriad Gardens. Includes a Finale 5K and one-mile race starting at 2:30 PM. City employees receive a discount with promo code 'safety'.
New Year's Day Blast Off 5K
Benefits the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, located at 2300 Bookside, Edmond. Road closure on Harvey Avenue between 4th and 16th Street for a couple of hours in the morning. Expected attendance of 700-800 people.
Freezer Face-Off 5K
Memorial to Ted Sterling's son, tied into a Barons game. Run starts at the Convention Center, goes around Myriad Gardens, up to 10th Street, and back through downtown. Participants pay $30 for the run and game ticket. Includes a mental illness awareness division. Proceeds benefit NAMI Oklahoma.
GE Research Park Groundbreaking
Located on Northeast 10th Street and Walnut in Ward 7. A $115 million campus expected to employ over 100 people.
KD's Restaurant Official Opening
Located in Ward 7, saw hundreds of people in line.
Law Enforcement Forum
Held at East 6th Street Christian Church, discussed interactions between minority populations and law enforcement. Police Department, Department of Justice, and NAACP participated.
Windsor Area Business Group Kick-off
Held at the Dale Rogers Center, aiming to revitalize the Windsor Hills area with streetscape improvements.
Grandparents Raising Grandkids Christmas Party
Involved Midwest City Police Department and Sheriff's Department, over 600 kids received presents and visited Santa Claus.
Financial Matters
Sports Facility Sales Tax Revenue
Final projections for the sports facility sales tax revenue were just over $105 million, about 12% below the original estimate of $121 million.
Companion Use Tax
The budget was supplemented by a council-authorized companion use tax.
Arena Renovation Project Savings
Savings were achieved on the arena renovation project through value engineering.
Practice Facility Construction Savings
Savings were achieved on the practice facility construction.
Land Acquisition Savings for Practice Facility
Land for the practice facility was acquired for a little over $500,000, saving approximately $1.8 million from the budgeted $2.3 million.
Remaining Funds from Sports Facility Projects
Upon final acceptance of the sports facility projects, any remaining fund balances, projected at $978,000, will be transferred to dedicated funds for the arena and practice facility for future maintenance and contractual obligations.
Estimated Police Staffing Cost (Desired Level)
The estimated annual cost for 200 additional police officers (desired level of service) is approximately $15 million, plus vehicle costs.
Estimated Police Staffing Cost (Baseline Level)
The estimated annual cost for 100 additional police officers (baseline level of service) is approximately $7.5 million, plus vehicle costs.
Police Vehicle Capital Costs (Desired Level)
Total vehicle capital costs for the desired level of police staffing are estimated at almost $6 million over a five-year period.
Police Vehicle Capital Costs (Baseline Level)
Total vehicle capital costs for the baseline level of police staffing are estimated at $2.1 million over a five-year period.
Public Comments
Public comments were primarily focused on the urban agriculture ordinance, particularly the allowance of backyard chickens. Supporters highlighted benefits such as food security, health, environmental sustainability, and educational opportunities, citing examples from other cities and personal experiences. Opponents expressed concerns about noise, smell, and the appropriateness of chickens in urban residential areas, preferring a permit-based system or maintaining current restrictions. One citizen also used the public comment period to criticize the council's handling of a controversial play at the civic center and alleged ethical issues with past city projects and officials.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Salary and Benefit Establishments for Council-Reporting Employees (deferred for two weeks)
- Easement Closure Request (Item 8c, deferred until January 21, 2014)
- Zoning Case 8a6 (deferred until December 31st)
Deadlines
- December 31st: Final vote on urban agriculture ordinances (Items 8i and 8j)
- December 31st: Deadline for council to add items to the March 4th ballot (e.g., 10 wards, term limits)
- January: Amend city's contract with financial advisory firm for convention center hotel feasibility study
- End of January/First of February: Budget workshop to discuss financial challenges and future needs
Watch For
- Further discussions and a financial feasibility study on the convention center hotel, including public subsidies and financial structure.
- Potential special election for city officers if petitions are submitted.
- Updates on the Oklahoma City Boulevard project, particularly the middle sections.
- Discussion on police staffing and long-term financing solutions for manpower.
- Further discussions on the CAD medical priority dispatch system and its impact on response times and potential clinical outcomes.
Announcements
- Oklahoma City received the 'Wellness Frontiers Award' from the Healthcare Leadership Council for its successful wellness initiatives.
- The Sports Facility Oversight Board has completed its mission and is being dissolved, with remaining funds transferred to arena and practice facility accounts.
- GE Research Park is being developed in Ward 7, a $115 million campus employing over 100 people.
- KD's Restaurant officially opened in Ward 7.
- A law enforcement forum was held at East 6th Street Christian Church, discussing interactions between minority populations and law enforcement.
- The Windsor Area Business Group kicked off efforts to revitalize the Windsor Hills area.
- The new west entrance to I-40 has opened, expected to alleviate traffic on Western Avenue.
- Councilman Greenwell will represent the city on a contingent to the USS Oklahoma City on the West Coast.
- The city's comprehensive annual financial report received a clean, unmodified opinion from auditors.
- The city's public information office will provide an announcement regarding the philosophy on residential street snow and ice removal.
- The city attorney's office will provide a brief summary of citizens' liability regarding deteriorated sidewalks and replacement responsibilities.
Agenda Summary
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Opening of the meeting with a prayer by Pastor Carlon Shetter and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilman Wyatt.
Recognition of Oklahoma City for Wellness Initiatives
Presentation of the 'Wellness Frontiers Award' to Oklahoma City by the Healthcare Leadership Council for its successful health and wellness programs.
Item 3: Salary and Benefit Establishments
Establishment of salaries and benefits for three employees reporting to the council and mayor.
Item 4a: Receive Journal of Council Proceedings (December 3rd)
Receiving the journal of council proceedings from the December 3rd meeting.
Item 4b: Approve Journal of Council Proceedings (November 18th)
Approval of the journal of council proceedings from the November 18th meeting.
Item 5: Request for Uncontested Continuances
Requests for deferrals and striking of certain items from the agenda.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA)
Meeting of the OCMFA to address its agenda items.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPPA)
Meeting of the OCPPA to address its agenda items, including a resolution for golf course courtesy rounds.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (OCEAT)
Meeting of the OCEAT to address its agenda items.
Consent Document (excluding Item 6n)
Approval of all items on the consent docket, except for item 6n.
Item 6k: Resolution with ASPCA
Resolution dealing with an agreement with the ASPCA for the community cat program.
Item 6l1: Amendment to Supportive Housing Program
Amendment to extend the expiration date of the supportive housing program agreement due to a clerical error.
Item 6v: Change Order
Change order adding five additional days to a contract.
Item 6x: Project Completion Inspection
Completion of a project with a final inspection involving multiple city and contractor personnel.
Item 6ae: ACOG Project Termination
Termination of an agreement with ACOG for a project, with remaining funds transferred to phase two for a new RFP.
Item 6ae: City Manager Certification Administration Plan
Discussion on the City Manager Certification Administration Plan for bond expenditure processes.
Item 6n: Support for Neighborhood Housing Services
Resolution expressing support for Neighborhood Housing Services to submit an application for affordable housing tax credits for a 48-unit senior housing project.
Item 6am1: Drainage Improvement Projects
Four drainage improvement projects in various wards, including SW 25th and Walker, 10th and Dewey, 4th and Walker, and 7th and Santa Fe railroad tracks.
Item 6aw: Proposed TIF Projects
Three proposed TIF projects: 337 apartment units at 10th and Chartel, redevelopment of the old Fred Jones manufacturing plant into a 165-room boutique hotel (21c), and acquisition of the Journal Record building.
Item 6m: City's Institute Team
Discussion regarding the members of the city's institute team.
Item 6u: Lincoln Park and Perry Park Improvements
Resolution regarding general improvements to Lincoln Park and Perry Park, including picnic shelters, tables, playground equipment, and sidewalks.
Item 6ah: Donation of Property by Investment Realty LLC
Acceptance of a donated historical piece of property from Investment Realty LLC, previously a US Postal Service office.
Item 6ap: Parking Changes at 2nd and Oklahoma
Introduction of changes to parking regulations at 2nd and Oklahoma, reducing metered parking from two hours to one hour.
Item 6as: PVC Pipe Repair
Resolution regarding the repair of PVC pipes for a sewer line off Northeast 59th Street and Kelly Avenue.
Item 6ay: Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
Adoption of the city's comprehensive annual financial report, single auditor's report, and auditor's communication.
Concurrence Docket
Approval of nine items on the concurrence docket.
Item 8a1: Zoning Case at 6900 N May
Zoning case in Ward 2 concerning an ABC issue.
Item 8a2: Zoning Case for R1 Single Family Residential
Zoning case in Ward 1 to change a PUD to an R1 single-family residential district.
Item 8a3: Zoning Case at 624 N Cemetery Rd
Zoning case in Ward 3 to change an agricultural district and PUD to a new PUD.
Item 8a4: Zoning Case at 13002 N Kelly
Zoning case in Ward 7 for a new PUD.
Item 8a5: Zoning Case at 1100 E Britain Rd
Zoning case in Ward 7 for a new PUD.
Item 8a6: Zoning Case
Zoning case that was previously deferred.
Item 8a7: Zoning Case at 1001 E Madison St
Zoning case in Ward 7 for a new simplified PUD, including a commitment to install a sidewalk.
Item 8b1: Planning Case at 3724 S Any Rd
Planning case in Ward 4 to change an agricultural district to a single-family one-acre rural residential district, previously recommended for denial.
Item 8b2: Planning Case at 10301 N I-35 Service Rd
Planning case in Ward 7 for a new simplified PUD, previously recommended for denial, with modifications to billboard elements.
Item 8c: Easement Closure Request
Easement closure request that was deferred.
Item 8d: Easement in Ward 6
Item dealing with an easement in Ward 6 related to the FOP lodge.
Item 8e1: Amendment on Residential Track
Amendment on adding a residential track.
Item 8e2: Ordinance for Final Hearing
Ordinance for final hearing.
Item 8f: Metered Parking Spaces on E Sheridan
Removal of metered parking spaces on East Sheridan, recommended by the traffic commission.
Item 8g: Public Hearing on IRS Code Compliance
Public hearing to bring the city into compliance with IRS code.
Item 8h: Public Hearing on Special Events Ordinance
Public hearing regarding a new ordinance involving special events.
Item 8i: Public Hearing on Urban Ag (Chickens)
Public hearing on the urban agriculture ordinance specifically pertaining to urban chickens.
Item 8j: Public Hearing on Urban Ag (General)
Public hearing on the urban agriculture ordinance pertaining to composting, gardens, and greenhouses.
Item 8k: Public Hearing on Dilapidated Structures
Public hearing regarding dilapidated structures.
Item 8l: Public Hearing on Unsecured Structures
Public hearing regarding unsecured structures.
Item 8m1: Revocable Right-of-Way Permit for Opening Night
Request for a revocable right-of-way permit to hold 'Opening Night' on New Year's Eve.
Item 8m2: Revocable Right-of-Way Permit for New Year's Day Blast Off 5K
Request for a revocable right-of-way permit to hold the 'New Year's Day Blast Off 5K'.
Item 8m3: Revocable Right-of-Way Permit for Freezer Face-Off 5K
Request for a revocable right-of-way permit for the 'Freezer Face-Off 5K' on January 18th.
Item 8n1: Authorizing Mayor's Election
Authorization for calling and holding the mayor's election.
Item 8n2: Mayor's Election Proclamation
Proclamation for the mayor's election.
Item 8o: Convention Center Market Study Presentation
Presentation and discussion of the market study for the convention center hotel and an economic impact report.
Item 8p: Dissolution of Sports Facility Oversight Board
Dissolving the Sports Facility Oversight Board and transferring remaining funds.
Item 8q: Executive Session
Motion to move into executive session.
Item 8r: Executive Session
Motion to move into executive session.
Item 8s: Claims Recommended for Denial
Discussion and vote on claims recommended for denial, including a claim for vehicle damage due to low-hanging tree branches.
Item 9: Claims Recommended for Approval
Discussion and vote on claims recommended for approval.
Item 10: Items from Council
Various announcements and discussions from council members, including a trip to the USS Oklahoma City, police staffing, and the CAD medical priority dispatch system.
Citizens to be Heard
Opportunity for citizens to address the council on any topic.