Meeting Summary
The city council meeting addressed several key issues including recognizing storm recovery efforts, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition, and discussing the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's assassination. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a public hearing on proposed ordinances for vacant and abandoned properties, which generated considerable debate and public comment. The council also received an economic development update and a report on the well-being of Oklahoma City residents.
Key Decisions & Votes
Storm Recovery Recognition
00:05:00The city council recognized Moore Norman Vo-Tech School, Rock Assembly of God, and St. Andrews United Methodist Church for their exceptional support and partnership in storm recovery efforts following the May 20th tornadoes.
Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition 25th Anniversary Proclamation
00:12:00Mayor Mick Cornett proclaimed November 19, 2013, as Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition Day in Oklahoma City, celebrating their 25 years of contributions to the visual arts community.
President John F. Kennedy Remembrance Proclamation
00:16:00Mayor Mick Cornett proclaimed Friday, November 22, 2013, as a day of solemn remembrance and reflection on the life of President John F. Kennedy, marking the 50th anniversary of his assassination.
Appointment to Traffic and Transportation Commission
00:36:00An appointment to the Traffic and Transportation Commission was unanimously approved.
Journal of Council Proceedings Approval
00:36:40The journal of council proceedings for November 5th was received, and those for October 22nd and 29th were approved.
Uncontested Continuances
00:37:30Several items on the agenda were stricken or re-notified for future discussion due to owner actions or notification needs.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA) Items
00:40:00Six items under the OCMFA agenda were unanimously approved, including a project on fitness for employees.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPPA) Items
00:43:00Two items under the OCPPA agenda were unanimously approved.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (OCEAT) Items
00:43:50Four items under the OCEAT agenda were approved, with one item deferred until December 3rd. Discussion included the city's move towards CNG-powered vehicles.
Consent Docket (excluding item 6w)
00:54:00The majority of the consent docket items were approved unanimously, with item 6w separated for individual consideration.
Consent Docket Item 6w (School Sign Variance)
00:56:00An application to the Board of Adjustment for a school sign variance was approved to move forward, despite concerns about setting a precedent and the city's involvement in the application process.
Concurrence Docket
00:57:00Eight items on the concurrence docket were unanimously approved.
Close Utility Easement (Ward 2)
00:57:40A request to close a utility easement in Ward 2 was unanimously approved.
Close Easement (Ward 8)
00:58:00A request to close an easement in Ward 8 was unanimously approved with an emergency declaration to expedite the process for the applicant.
Smart Meters for Electric Substations
00:59:00An item related to smart meters for electric substations was unanimously approved.
Outdoor Food Sales
00:59:30Two items related to outdoor food sales were unanimously approved.
Elimination of Parking Meters (Ward 7)
01:00:00A request to eliminate two parking meters in Ward 7 was deferred for four weeks to allow the Bricktown Association to discuss alternatives with hotel developers.
Public Hearing: Dilapidated Structures
01:27:00The public hearing on dilapidated structures was moved to December 3rd to allow for further discussion and potential amendments, particularly regarding the differentiation between commercial and residential properties.
Ordinance for PUDs and SPUDs
01:36:00An ordinance to clean up language concerning Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) and Simplified Planned Unit Developments (SPUDs) was introduced and moved to a public hearing on December 3rd.
Public Hearing: Dilapidated Structures (8f)
01:36:40Items under the public hearing regarding dilapidated structures (8f) were moved forward.
Public Hearing: Unsecured Structures
01:37:00Items under the public hearing regarding unsecured structures were unanimously approved.
Revocable Permit for OKC Christmas River Parade
01:37:30A revocable permit for the Oklahoma City Christmas River Parade in Ward 7 was approved.
Item 8i (Resolution)
01:38:00Item 8i, a resolution, was passed unanimously without the need for an executive session.
Item 8k (Struck)
01:38:40Item 8k was struck from the agenda.
Claims Recommended for Denial (Frida Arnold)
01:39:00Frida Arnold's claim was struck to allow her to submit additional information.
Claims Recommended for Denial (Jimmy Beroshek)
01:45:00Jimmy Beroshek's claim regarding vehicle damage due to inadequate road barriers was deferred for two weeks to gather more information from the street maintenance division.
Claims Recommended for Denial (Miriam Wiley and Thomas Pierce)
01:49:00Miriam Wiley and Thomas Pierce's claim for injuries sustained from a fall at City Hall was denied, as staff found no legal responsibility for the city.
Claims Recommended for Approval
01:50:00All claims recommended for approval were passed unanimously.
Upcoming Community Events
Moore Norman Vo-Tech School, Rock Assembly of God, and St. Andrews United Methodist Church Recognition
Recognized for their support in storm recovery efforts following the May 20th tornadoes.
Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition Day
Proclaimed by Mayor Mick Cornett to celebrate 25 years of contributions to the visual arts.
President John F. Kennedy Day of Remembrance
Proclaimed by Mayor Mick Cornett to mark the 50th anniversary of his assassination.
Fire Department Coat Giveaway
Held at Greystone Elementary School, providing new coats to hundreds of disadvantaged children.
Ward 7 Town Hall Meeting
Focusing on code enforcement, held at Metro Tech Spring Lake Campus at 6:30 PM.
Chihuly Glass Unveiling
A magnificent piece of Chihuly glass was unveiled at the Oklahoma City Airport, provided by the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.
Complete Streets Session
Held at the City-County Health Department facility, discussing city-wide opportunities to improve accessibility and walkability.
Sustainable Disaster Recovery Conference
Attended by Councilman David Greenwell at St. Louis University, discussing preparation and recovery from natural disasters.
West Trail Groundbreaking
Groundbreaking for the first MAPS 3 trail, connecting Lake Overholser to Southwest 15th and Meridian.
Public Meeting on Transit Connections
Held at ACOG offices (21 East Main) from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, discussing potential transit routes connecting Oklahoma City to Edmond, Moore, Norman, and Tinker Air Force Base.
Downtown in December
Over 20 holiday events in downtown Oklahoma City, including the Devon Ice Rink, Devon's Saturdays with Santa, Chesapeake Snow Tubing, Tree Lighting Festival, SandRidge Santa Run, free Water Taxi rides, light displays, Deluxe Winter Market, Sonic Segway Santa, free Movie Mondays, Little Willy's Triple Dog Dare, Santa's Adventures on the Oklahoma River, holiday pop-up shops, and events at the Myriad Gardens.
Financial Matters
Annual Maintenance Contract (OCMFA)
Concern was raised about the cost of a sole-source renewable contract for annual maintenance.
Collection Agency Contract
The city is hiring a collection agency with an estimated cost of $300,000, expected to collect $3 million. The fee is paid by the defendant.
Police Headquarters Building
Award of contract for the new police headquarters building, which came in under the revised budget.
Fire Station #8 Kitchen Upgrade
Allocation from the 2007 bond issue to upgrade and remodel the kitchen at Fire Station #8.
Vacant and Abandoned Properties Cost
The city spends approximately $6.5 million annually on services for vacant and abandoned properties (police, fire, code enforcement, animal welfare).
Lost Revenue from Vacant Properties
The city loses nearly $20 million in potential revenue every year due to vacant and abandoned properties.
Reduction in Real Estate Value
Vacant and abandoned properties result in an estimated $2.7 billion reduction in citywide real estate value.
Gallup Well-being Study
Total cost of the Gallup well-being study, with $115,000 contributed by the city and $115,000 by the City-County Board of Health.
Domestic Travel Spending in Oklahoma
Domestic spending on tourism and travel in Oklahoma for 2012, with Oklahoma County contributing $2.5 billion.
Public Comments
Public comments were primarily focused on the proposed ordinance for vacant and abandoned properties. Speakers included real estate professionals, neighborhood residents, and a state representative. There was general agreement on the need to address the issue but significant debate on the specifics of the ordinance, particularly regarding the 30-day timeline, the inclusion of commercial properties, and the definition of 'actively marketed'. Concerns were raised about potential negative impacts on responsible property owners and the real estate market. Supporters emphasized the negative effects of blight on property values and city resources. One citizen also spoke about improving dead animal pickup services, and another expressed general dissatisfaction with city council decisions.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Public hearing on dilapidated structures (moved to December 3rd)
- Ordinance for PUDs and SPUDs (public hearing on December 3rd)
- Elimination of parking meters in Ward 7 (deferred for 4 weeks)
- Jimmy Beroshek's claim (deferred for 2 weeks)
Deadlines
- MAPS 20-year anniversary proclamation: December 3rd at City Hall
- MAPS anniversary luncheon: December 4th at Oklahoma History Center
- MAPS concluding event: December 6th at Chesapeake Arena
- Public hearing on vacant and abandoned properties: December 3rd
- Public hearing on PUD/SPUD ordinance: December 3rd
- Convention Center Hotel studies presentation: December 17th
Watch For
- Further discussion and potential amendments to the vacant and abandoned properties ordinance, especially regarding commercial vs. residential properties and enforcement timelines.
- Recommendations for a feasibility study for the Convention Center Hotel following the market study presentation.
- Potential initiative petition to redistrict the city into 10 wards.
- Updates on the Gallup well-being study, including a full report and expanded survey instrument in 2014 to include substance abuse.
Announcements
- Mayor Mick Cornett recognized Moore Norman Vo-Tech School, Rock Assembly of God, and St. Andrews United Methodist Church for their storm recovery efforts.
- Mayor Mick Cornett proclaimed November 19, 2013, as Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition Day.
- Mayor Mick Cornett proclaimed Friday, November 22, 2013, as a day of solemn remembrance and reflection for President John F. Kennedy.
- Councilman John Pettis announced a town hall meeting on code enforcement at Metro Tech Spring Lake Campus on November 19th at 6:30 PM.
- Councilwoman Meg Salyer announced the unveiling of a Chihuly glass piece at the Oklahoma City Airport and a 'Complete Streets' session at the City-County Health Department.
- Councilman David Greenwell reported on attending the Sustainable Disaster Recovery Conference and firefighters' concerns about EMSS response times.
- Councilman Pete White discussed the possibility of initiating an initiative petition to redistrict the city into 10 wards.
- Councilman Ed Shadid mentioned the groundbreaking of the West Trail, a MAPS 3 project.
- Councilman James Greiner highlighted a public meeting on transit connections between Oklahoma City and surrounding municipalities on November 20th.
- City Manager announced the passing of Don Baum, former City Manager, and requested a council resolution in his honor.
- Mike Carrier, President of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, provided an update on first-quarter activities, including increased site visits, strong group tour and equine markets, and a new advertising program. He also introduced Dennis Johnston as the new Vice President of Sales for the CVB.
- Jill Delozier from Downtown Oklahoma City Incorporated presented the 'Downtown in December' event schedule, highlighting over 20 holiday activities.
Agenda Summary
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Led by Erson Demeci from the Raindrop Turkish House and Councilman Pat Ryan.
Recognition of Storm Recovery Efforts
Recognizing Moore Norman Vo-Tech School, Rock Assembly of God, and St. Andrews United Methodist Church for their contributions after the May 20th tornadoes.
Proclamation for Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition 25th Anniversary
Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition and its contributions.
Proclamation for President John F. Kennedy Remembrance
Marking the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's assassination.
Presentation from Roy Williams, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce
Quarterly update on economic development activities, job creation, retail recruitment, and accolades for Oklahoma City.
Appointment to Traffic and Transportation Commission
Consideration of an appointment to the commission.
Receive Journal of Council Proceedings for November 5th
Formal reception of the council meeting minutes.
Approve Journal of Council Proceedings for October 22nd and 29th
Formal approval of past council meeting minutes.
Request for Uncontested Continuances
Requests to strike or re-notify several agenda items.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA) Items
Six items related to OCMFA business, including a fitness project.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPPA) Items
Two items related to OCPPA business.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (OCEAT) Items
Four items related to OCEAT business, including a discussion on CNG-powered vehicles.
Consent Docket
A collection of routine items for approval.
Consent Docket Item 6w (School Sign Variance)
Individual consideration of an application to the Board of Adjustment for a school sign variance.
Concurrence Docket
Eight items for concurrence.
Close Utility Easement (Ward 2)
Request to close a utility easement.
Close Easement (Ward 8)
Request to close an easement.
Smart Meters for Electric Substations
Item related to the implementation of smart meters.
Outdoor Food Sales
Two items concerning regulations for outdoor food sales.
Elimination of Parking Meters (Ward 7)
Request to eliminate two parking meters in Ward 7.
Public Hearing: Dilapidated Structures
Public hearing and discussion on proposed ordinances to address dilapidated structures.
Ordinance for PUDs and SPUDs
Introduction of an ordinance to clarify and update language regarding Planned Unit Developments and Simplified Planned Unit Developments.
Public Hearing: Dilapidated Structures (8f)
Public hearing on specific dilapidated structures.
Public Hearing: Unsecured Structures
Public hearing on specific unsecured structures.
Revocable Permit for Oklahoma City Christmas River Parade
Request for a permit to hold the Christmas River Parade in Ward 7.
Item 8i (Resolution)
Consideration of a resolution.
Item 8j (Executive Session)
Item requiring discussion in executive session.
Item 8k (Struck)
Item removed from the agenda.
Claims Recommended for Denial
Consideration of claims recommended for denial, including those from Frida Arnold, Jimmy Beroshek, and Miriam Wiley/Thomas Pierce.
Claims Recommended for Approval
Consideration of claims recommended for approval.
Presentation from Gallup
Report on the well-being of Oklahoma City residents based on survey research.
City Manager Report
Update on the first quarter CVB report and a presentation on Downtown in December events.
Citizens to be Heard
Opportunity for citizens to address the council on various issues.