Meeting Summary
The City Council approved a $1.8 million federal FEMA grant for storm shelter rebates and several zoning cases, including a car recycling facility and an auto sales lot with specific conditions. Public comments highlighted concerns over proposed public transit fare increases and route eliminations, as well as the ongoing streetcar project. The council also approved collective bargaining agreements for firefighters and their retirees.
Key Decisions & Votes
FEMA Grant for Storm Shelter Rebates
20:00The city approved accepting a $1.8 million federal FEMA grant to provide $2,000 rebates (up to 75% of cost) for residential storm shelters. 451 homeowners are currently participating, with a deadline of December 31, 2014, for installation.
South Robinson Street Name Change
59:00An ordinance was approved to change a one-block section of South Robinson Street to Thunder Drive.
Auto Sales Zoning (4774 NW 23rd St)
59:30A zoning case for an auto sales lot was approved with conditions, limiting sales to a maximum of 10 cars displayed only on the south side of the facility, supplemental to the existing auto glass repair shop, and allowing an 8-foot monument sign.
Auto Sales Lot Request (7220 Southwestern)
1:05:00A request for an auto sales lot at a former restaurant location was denied, aligning with the Planning Commission's recommendation to limit dealerships in the I-240 area.
IAFF Collective Bargaining Agreement
1:10:00A new collective bargaining agreement with the International Association of Firefighters was approved, effective July 1, 2013, to June 30, 2014, including wage adjustments, increased health care contributions, expanded tuition reimbursement, and limits on time exchange.
Firefighters Retiree Health Insurance Agreement
1:13:00An agreement with the Board of Trustees of the Oklahoma City Firefighters Health and Welfare Trust was approved for calendar year 2014, increasing the city's contribution to retiree health care coverage from $9,849 to $10,496 per year for retirees up to age 65.
Upcoming Community Events
Pumpkinville
Located at the Botanical Gardens, featuring scarecrows, ghosts, and gourd displays for a small fee.
Haunt the Zoo
Held in the evenings from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, offering a safe and well-attended Halloween experience.
Trick-or-Treat Night
Encouraged in the afternoon and early evening hours; households should indicate willingness to participate by turning on porch and exterior lights.
Financial Matters
River debris collection
Contract award and approval for river debris collection, funded by the drainage utility.
Police bomb robot upgrade
Project to purchase or upgrade the police bomb robot, with discussion on potential service consolidation with surrounding communities.
Street Improvement projects
Award of 10 residential resurfacing projects within the same neighborhood to one contractor.
Federal FEMA Grant for storm shelters
Acceptance of a grant to provide $2,000 rebates (up to 75% of cost) for residential storm shelter construction or installation.
IAFF Collective Bargaining Agreement
Includes wage increases for firefighters and an adjustment to the city's health care contribution from $1,040 to $1,374 per year for Viba plan participants.
Firefighters Retiree Health Insurance Agreement
Increases the city's contribution toward retiree health care coverage from $9,849 to $10,496 per year for retirees up to age 65.
Hotel collections
Report indicating hotel collections are up 4% over target.
Public Comments
Citizens raised concerns regarding a plat notification, the streetcar project's route and funding, and proposed fare increases and route eliminations for public transit services, highlighting the impact on low-income and disabled residents.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Plat in Ward 3 (items 6G1 and 2) was deferred for two weeks to verify proper notification to property owners.
Deadlines
- Homeowners have until December 31, 2014, to construct and install a safe room to qualify for the FEMA rebate program.
Watch For
- Potential for future FEMA grants for storm shelters and discussions on requiring shelters in new home construction.
- A memo clarifying rules for disabled parking, including free parking at meters for the posted time limit.
- Discussions with Oklahoma City Public Schools regarding allowing students to ride city buses for free.
- Consideration of a workshop with Harvard professors on the achievement gap issue for the school board.
Announcements
- A proclamation officially declared Thursday, October 31st, as Trick-or-Treat night in Oklahoma City.
- Happy Birthday wishes were extended to Debbie Martin, a dedicated city assistant.
- The passing of Leland Gorley, a 95-year-old long-time Oklahoma City citizen, was recognized.
- An update was provided on the After School Network breakfast for Moon Elementary/Middle School.
- An update was given on the Salvation Army neighborhood meeting regarding their proposed campus at 10th and Pennsylvania.
- Thanks were extended to District Attorney David Prader and Sergeant Scow for attending the Windsor Hills Neighborhood Association meeting.
- An update on the Oklahoma Disaster Recovery Project was presented by the American Red Cross and United Way of Central Oklahoma.
- An update on the Total Care utility program renewal was provided, noting 175,000 residences are now covered.
- Hotel collections are up 4% over target, despite a slight decrease in room supply due to a hotel closure.
Agenda Summary
Appointment of Matt Gillery to the Urban Design Commission
Appointment of Matt Gillery to serve on the Urban Design Commission.
Journal of Council Proceedings for October 15th
To receive the Journal of Council Proceedings for October 15th.
Journal of Council Proceedings for October 8th
To approve the Journal of Council Proceedings for October 8th.
Request for Uncontested Continuances
Requests to strike several items from the agenda, including a Bradford law claim and property-related items where owners have removed or secured the property.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OC MFA) Items
Five items presented to the Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OC PPA) Items
Two items presented to the Oklahoma City Public Property Authority, including discussion on digital tee times for golf courses.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (OCEAT) Claims and Payroll
Claims and payroll items for the Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust.
Consent Docket
Various contracts, projects, and agreements presented for approval, with some items pulled for individual consideration.
Resolution authorizing city to accept Federal FEMA Grant
Resolution authorizing the city to accept a $1,800,000 Federal FEMA Grant for storm shelter rebates.
Plat in Ward 3 (6G1 and 2)
Consideration of a plat in Ward 3, with a citizen raising concerns about notification and changes to original development plans.
Concurrence Docket
Items on the concurrence docket.
Zoning Case (ABC issue at 315 NW 23rd St, Ward 2)
Zoning case concerning an ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Control) issue.
Zoning Case (1222 N Pennsylvania Ave, Ward 6)
Zoning case to permit alcoholic beverage services in association with a taqueria.
Zoning Case (4250 S Sara Rd, Ward 3)
Zoning case to change from Agricultural to R1 single family residential district.
Zoning Case (15912 N MacArthur, Ward 8)
Zoning case to change from a Planned Unit Development (PUD) to a single family residential district, cleaning up an older PUD.
Zoning Case (11749 SW 59th St, Ward 3)
Zoning case to change from R1 single family and PUD to R2 medium low density residential district.
Zoning Case (1616 SW 82nd St, Ward 5)
Zoning case to change from R2 medium low density to O2 general office district, for expansion of Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children.
Zoning Case (200 N McCormack Ave, Ward 3)
Zoning case to change from I3 heavy industrial to a new Simplified Planned Unit Development (SPUD) for a car recycling facility.
Zoning Case (1407 SE 19th St, Ward 7)
Zoning case to change from R1 single family and A2 airport overlay district to a new Simplified Planned Unit Development (SPUD) for an office with an attached garage.
Ordinance to change name of South Robinson Street to Thunder Drive
Ordinance to change the name of a one-block section of South Robinson Street to Thunder Drive.
Zoning Case (Auto Sales, 4774 NW 23rd St)
Zoning case for an auto sales lot, initially recommended for denial by the Planning Commission, but approved with specific conditions by the Council.
Auto Sales Lot Request (7220 Southwestern, Ward 5)
Auto sales lot request at a former restaurant location, recommended for denial by the Planning Commission.
Summer Schedule for Council Meetings in 2014
Approval of the City Council meeting schedule for the summer of 2014.
Traffic Commission item: No Parking signs on N Sterling, Ward 3
Request for no parking signs on North Sterling Street, brought forth by the Hildale Neighborhood Association.
Traffic Commission item: No Parking any time sign, Ward 6
Housekeeping request for a no parking any time sign.
Traffic Commission item: Ward 6
Traffic Commission item for Ward 6.
Traffic Commission item: Ward 6 (related to new police headquarters)
Traffic Commission item for Ward 6 related to the new police headquarters building.
Traffic Commission item: Parking spaces for disabled
Traffic Commission item concerning parking spaces for the physically disabled, including discussion on meter usage and time limits.
Public Hearing regarding dilapidated structures
Public hearing concerning dilapidated structures.
Public Hearing regarding unsecured structures
Public hearing concerning unsecured structures.
Collective bargaining agreement with International Association of Firefighters (IAFF)
Agreement outlining wage increases, health care contributions, tuition reimbursement, and time exchange limits for firefighters.
Agreement with Board of Trustees of Oklahoma City Firefighters Health and Welfare Trust
Agreement concerning health insurance contributions for retired firefighters.
Resolution (no Executive Session needed)
Resolution requiring no executive session.
Resolution (no Executive Session needed)
Resolution requiring no executive session.
Executive Session
Motion to enter into executive session.
Claims recommended for denial
Review and vote on claims recommended for denial.
Claims recommended for approval
Review and vote on claims recommended for approval.