Meeting Summary
The city council meeting covered a range of topics, including the approval of a new ambulance service provider, discussions on a new economic development loan program, and updates on city priorities like transportation and public education. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the EMS contract, which will see American Medical Response take over, with changes to response time standards and a reduction in exclusions. The council also heard updates on street and sidewalk improvements, public transit ridership, and wellness initiatives.
Key Decisions & Votes
Ambulance Transport Investment
00:06:00The council approved American Medical Response (AMR) as the new ambulance service provider, replacing Paramedics Plus. This decision was based on AMR's higher quality and lower pricing in the bidding process, and includes a change in priority one response times from 8:59 to 10:59, along with a reduction in service exclusions.
Mileage Rate Increase for EMS
00:34:00A motion was passed to amend item 8H to only approve the ability to raise the mileage rate for EMS, which is currently below what is approved for automobile accidents and workers' comp, potentially recovering $150,000 per division.
Ordinance Amending Zoning and Planning Code
00:40:00An ordinance on final hearing relating to zoning and planning code, amending chapter 59 of the Oklahoma City Municipal Code, was approved. This involves cleanup and clarification of existing code.
Public Hearing on Front Yard Parking
00:41:00A public hearing on front yard parking, which includes clarifications on RVs, boat trailers, and boats, was approved to move to a final hearing in two weeks.
Public Hearing on Dilapidated Structures
00:42:00A public hearing regarding dilapidated structures was approved. One property owner addressed the council regarding a fire-damaged property and plans for its sale.
Public Hearing on Unsecured Structures
00:44:00A public hearing on unsecured structures was approved without public comment.
Fire Sales Tax Item for Wellness Equipment and SCBA Upgrades
00:45:00A fire sales tax item for wellness equipment and $3.5 million to upgrade self-contained breathing apparatuses for the fire department was approved.
Revocable Right Permit for Cycling Event
00:46:00A request for a revocable right permit for a cycling event, 'Ventura Plan', was denied due to concerns about safety, timing, and the event's ability to adequately address previous recommendations from the Sports Consortium.
Revocable Permit for Plaza District Festival
00:54:00A request for a revocable permit for the Plaza District Festival, to be held on September 28th on Northwest 16th Street, was approved.
Revocable Permit for Run for More Hope
00:55:00A revocable permit for the 'Run for More Hope' event, a one-mile fun run and 5k at Earlywine YMCA Park, was approved. The event will benefit tornado victims and the Restore More Project teacher organization.
Consolidated Rental Car Facility Bonds
00:58:00A resolution approving the debt issuance of up to $50 million for the Consolidated Rental Car Facility at Will Rogers World Airport was approved. The project is financed by customer facility charges and aims to enhance customer service and industry operations.
Upcoming Community Events
Plaza District Festival
To be held on Northwest 16th Street, featuring over 50 visual artists, Oklahoma performers and bands, kids activities, and food trucks.
Run for More Hope
A one-mile fun run and 5k at Earlywine YMCA Park, with a fun fest, face painting, inflatables, free food, and fireworks. Benefits tornado victims and the Restore More Project teacher organization.
Jim Scott Plaque Dedication
At the airport, on the ground floor between the baggage claim area and the parking garage, to honor former planning commissioner, city councilman, and airport trust member Jim Scott.
Hispanic Expo
Held at the fairgrounds, recognized for its success and growth in the market.
Town Hall on MAPS for Kids and MAPS 3
At Metrotech, hosted by Councilman John.
Financial Matters
EMS Mileage Rate Increase
Approval to raise the mileage rate for EMS to align with approved rates for automobile accidents and workers' comp, potentially recovering $150,000 per division.
Consolidated Rental Car Facility Bonds
Approval of debt issuance for the construction of a new rental car facility at Will Rogers World Airport, backed by customer facility charges.
Fire Sales Tax Item
Funding for wellness equipment and upgrades to self-contained breathing apparatuses for the fire department.
Grow OKC Fund
A new economic development program providing low-interest loans and equity investments to small businesses in Oklahoma City, targeting primary job creation.
Public Comments
Public comments included a property owner discussing a dilapidated structure, a cycling event organizer appealing for approval, and a citizen raising concerns about police conduct and the use of city facilities for religious purposes.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Spud 706 (item 8B) deferred until August 27th
- Claim for vehicle damage deferred for two weeks for negotiation with city attorney.
Watch For
- Final hearing on front yard parking ordinance in two weeks
- Report from Mr. Springer on the Performance Based and Management Audit of the school district's HR and finance departments at the August meeting.
- Recommendation on additional $8 million for road repair from fund balance in the next couple of weeks.
Announcements
- The city's office of Arts and Cultural Affairs has established a strong foundation for the 'percent for art' program, including evaluating the Arts Commission, cataloging public art, and planning for conservation. A comprehensive public art master plan is underway.
- Updates on city priorities: transportation system improvements (street condition, trails, commute time) and support for high-quality public education (third-grade reading levels, graduation rates, reading buddies program, youth council, high school career academies).
Agenda Summary
Office of the Mayor Appointments
Series of appointments by the Mayor.
Journal of Council Proceedings
Receive journal for July 30th and approve for July 16th.
Ambulance Transport Investment (8H)
Resolution approving the ambulance transport investment and mileage rate increase.
Ambulance Transport Rate Increase (8I)
Resolution approving the ambulance transport rate increase.
Requests for Uncontested Continuances
Various items requested for continuance or striking.
Municipal Facilities Authority (MFA) Items
Four items for the MFA, including an interactive voice response system.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (PPA) Items
Five items for the PPA.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (EAT) Items
Two items for the EAT.
Consent Docket
Various items grouped for a single vote.
Economic Development Proposal (6AM1 & 6AM2)
Presentation and vote on the 'Grow OKC Fund' program with i-2e.
Grant Acceptance from ASPCA (6-O)
Acceptance of a $74,000 grant from the ASPCA for a part-time veterinarian and veterinary assistant.
Resolution Declaring Emergency (6V)
Resolution declaring an emergency for repairs to the Thunder locker room due to flood damage.
Architectural/Engineering Contract for Fairgrounds (6Z)
Annual architectural/engineering contract for the fairgrounds, with various funding sources including MAPS.
New Police Station Project (AD Alpha Delta)
Discussion on the new police station project and its future maintenance.
Ordinance in Ward Seven (8A)
Ordinance for a facility in Ward 7.
Utility Easement in Ward 8 (8A2)
Relocation of a drainage easement in Ward 8 in conjunction with new medical facilities.
SPUD 706 (8B)
Spud 706 in Ward 3.
Ordinance on Final Hearing Relating Zoning and Planning Code (8C)
Amending chapter 59 of the Oklahoma City Municipal Code.
Public Hearing on Front Yard Parking (8D)
Clarification on RVs, boat trailers, and boats.
Public Hearing Regarding Dilapidated Structures (8E)
Public hearing on various dilapidated structures.
Public Hearing on Unsecured Structures (8F)
Public hearing on various unsecured structures.
Fire Sales Tax Item (8G)
Second public hearing for wellness equipment and SCBA upgrades for the fire department.
Revocable Right Permit for Ventura Plan (8J)
Request for a revocable right permit for a cycling event.
Revocable Permit for Plaza District Festival (8K)
Request for a revocable permit for the Plaza District Festival.
Revocable Permit for Run for More Hope (8L)
Request for a revocable permit for a charity run event.
Consolidated Rental Car Facility Bonds (8M)
Resolution approving the debt issuance for the Consolidated Rental Car Facility at Will Rogers World Airport.
Corporal's Salary Extension (8N)
Extension of a corporal's salary.
Corporal's Salary Extension (8O)
Extension of a corporal's salary.
Corporal's Salary Extension (8P)
Extension of a corporal's salary.
Corporal's Salary Extension (8Q)
Extension of a corporal's salary.
Executive Session (8R)
Item requiring discussion in executive session.
Item 8S
Item 8S.
Claims Recommended for Denial (8T)
Various claims recommended for denial.
Claims Recommended for Approval (9)
Various claims recommended for approval.