Meeting Summary
The city council meeting included the swearing-in of four council members and a performance by an Oklahoma City University student. Key discussions revolved around water conservation efforts, including proposed ordinance changes and a detailed explanation of the city's water supply and drought conditions. The council also addressed several zoning cases and a claim for property damage due to a water main break.
Key Decisions & Votes
Election Returns
00:20:40The official election returns for the April 2nd, 2013 election in four wards of the city were officially received by the council.
Swearing-in of Council Members
00:21:10James Grryer (Ward 1), Larry Mcatee (Ward 3), Pete White (Ward 4), and John A. Pettis Jr. (Ward 7) were sworn into office.
Appointments to Citizen Advisory Boards
00:30:40Appointments to maps three citizen advisory boards were approved unanimously.
Mayor's Travel to US Conference of Mayors
00:31:00A resolution approving the Mayor's travel to the annual meeting of the US Conference of Mayors was passed unanimously.
Journal of Council Proceedings
00:31:30The Journal of Council Proceedings for April 2nd was received, and the Journal for March 26th was approved.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA) Items
00:34:40Eight items on the OCMFA agenda were approved unanimously.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPPA) Items
00:35:30Two items on the OCPPA agenda were approved unanimously.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (OCEAT) Items
00:36:40Two items on the OCEAT agenda were approved unanimously.
Zoning Case: 1024 West I240 Service Road (Ward 5)
00:48:00A zoning change from an old Crispy Cream to a garage restaurant (hamburger and street taco type) was approved.
Zoning Case: 1811 North MacArthur Boulevard (Ward 3)
00:49:50A zoning change from R1 single-family residential to C3 community commercial district was approved.
Zoning Case: 1424 North Rockwell (Ward 3)
00:52:40A zoning change from R1 single-family to a simplified planned unit development for a self-storage facility was approved, with a commitment for attractive landscaping.
Proposed Name Change (Ward 3)
00:53:50A proposed name change, honoring Lindsay who headed the FAA for many years, was approved.
Special Permit Request: 80001 Pole Road (Ward 4)
00:56:40A special permit for an oil field service company to consolidate several sites and potentially bring additional jobs was approved, with fire safety provisions to be reviewed.
Request to Close a Portion of a Utility Easement (Ward 7)
00:58:20A request to close a portion of a utility easement to allow building across a property line was approved.
Final Hearing on Retirement Plan
01:00:20A final hearing on a retirement plan was deferred for two weeks to allow council members to review additional comparative studies.
Ordinance Introduction: Flashing Yellow Left Turn Signals
01:06:00An ordinance to update city codes to allow for flashing yellow left turn signals, aligning with federal and state standards, was introduced for public hearing on April 16th.
Ordinance Introduction: Water Conservation (Chapter 55)
01:29:40An ordinance related to water conservation, specifically clarifying communication with customers and conditions of service, was introduced for public hearing on April 16th.
Ordinance Introduction: Water Conservation (Chapter 57)
01:30:00An ordinance related to water conservation, specifically updating water restriction uses and enforcement, including progressive fines, was introduced for public hearing on April 16th.
Public Hearing: Dilapidated Structures
01:30:50Items related to dilapidated structures were approved unanimously.
Public Hearing: Unsecured Structures
01:31:20Items related to unsecured structures were approved unanimously.
Revocable Right-of-Way Permit: Sound Bites Concert
01:34:00A revocable right-of-way permit for the 'Sound Bites' concert on May 10th, closing a portion of the street for pedestrian safety and food trucks, was approved.
Revocable Right-of-Way Permit: El Dia Del Nino
01:39:50A revocable right-of-way permit for the 'El Dia Del Nino' (Day of the Child) event on April 28th, closing Southwest 29th Street between Chartell and Western, was approved.
Revising Trust Indenture and Bond Indenture for COTPA
01:45:00Changes to the Central Oklahoma Transportation Parking Authority (COTPA) trust indenture were approved, allowing for potential separation of parking and transit functions and raising the bidding threshold for construction projects.
Claims Recommended for Denial
01:59:00Claims recommended for denial, including a property damage claim due to a water main break, were denied based on legal advice and lack of negligence evidence.
Claim of Martha Rasmusen
01:59:40The claim of Martha Rasmusen (8R1G) was deferred for two weeks until the April 23rd meeting.
Claims Recommended for Approval
02:00:20Claims recommended for approval were passed unanimously.
Upcoming Community Events
Bernstein's Mass Performance
Oklahoma City University student Megan Wagner performed a preview. The full performance is Saturday evening at the Civic Center at 8:00 PM. Tickets available at 405-232-SING or Civic Center box office.
National Service Recognition Day
Mayor Mick Cornet proclaimed April 9th, 2013, as National Service Recognition Day in Oklahoma City, recognizing organizations like Sunbeam Family Services, RSVP of Central Oklahoma, Variety Care Foster Grandparent Program, and Oklahoma Community Service Commission.
Teacher of the Month Recognition
Teresa Fletcher was recognized as Teacher of the Month for April 2013 by Mustang Public Schools and the Rotary Club of Oklahoma City. She will attend a Rotary Club luncheon and receive a gift card stipend for her classroom.
Sound Bites Concert
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on the Bank of Oklahoma Plaza, north of Leadership Square. Features 'My So-Called Band' playing 90s cover music and four confirmed food trucks. A portion of the street will be closed for pedestrian safety.
El Dia Del Nino (Day of the Child)
Southwest 29th Street between Chartell and Western will be closed for a children's event with various activities. No alcohol will be served. Expected attendance of 10,000 people. Organized by the Greater Oklahoma City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to draw attention to Southwest 29th Street.
Red Bud Festival
Organizers were complimented for excellent signage and traffic management.
Code Enforcement Workshop
Originally scheduled at the Civic Center, cancelled due to inclement weather. Will be rescheduled.
Financial Matters
Bond Estimates for Subdivision Improvements
Discussion regarding the adequacy of 10% above actual cost for bond estimates to cover city expenses when completing developer-defaulted subdivision improvements, including engineering and supervision.
Street Widening Project (6H)
Discussion on the timing of a street widening project, with plans 100% complete and scheduled for a 2014 start, potentially moving to 2013 if funds become available due to delays in other projects.
Joint Project with Nichols Hills (6I)
Concerns raised about the city's responsibility to install ADA ramps that connect to existing sidewalks, to avoid creating ramps that 'go nowhere'.
New Computing System (6W)
Discussion about the cost-effectiveness and estimated savings of a new computing system for electronic bid submissions, with the expectation of more bids and fewer mistakes, but difficulty in quantifying direct cost savings.
Contract Award for Utility Cut Repairs (6F)
A contract award to Rudy Construction Company for utility cut repairs was discussed, with a request to encourage the contractor to match street pavings for aesthetic consistency.
Amendment to Landscape Architectural Services (6X)
An amendment to landscape architectural services with Hardgraves and Associates was noted as a step towards coordinating MAPS 3 projects, extending Central Park to the river banks.
Water Conservation Fines
Proposed changes to Chapter 57 of the city code to implement a progressive fine system for water conservation violations, starting at $119 and escalating to a Class B offense, with the goal of education and compliance rather than revenue.
Property Damage Claim (8R1C)
A claim for property damage due to a water main break was denied by the council, as city staff found no evidence of negligence on the city's part.
Public Comments
Joe Sarge Nelson addressed the council, welcoming new members and urging them to take action against horse slaughter in Oklahoma City by passing a resolution condemning it and an ordinance banning it.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Item 6Q (agreement with OG&E related to a solid waste facility)
- Item 8C (deferred until April 23rd)
- Item 8F (final hearing on retirement plan, deferred for two weeks)
- Item 8R1G (claim of Martha Rasmusen, deferred for two weeks until April 23rd)
Deadlines
- Public hearing for flashing yellow light ordinance: April 16th
- Public hearing for water conservation ordinances: April 16th
- Final vote on water conservation ordinances: In two weeks
Watch For
- Rescheduled Code Enforcement Workshop
- Further discussions and potential changes to water conservation ordinances
- Chief's plan for additional police officers and associated costs
- Discussion on fire protection in eastern Ward 7
- Amendments to the Midtown plan
- Implementation of placemaking concepts in Oklahoma City
Announcements
- National Service Recognition Day on April 9th, 2013, recognizing various service organizations.
- Teresa Fletcher named Teacher of the Month for April 2013 by Mustang Public Schools and Rotary Club of Oklahoma City.
- A great meeting was held at the Skirvin Hotel regarding amendments to the Midtown plan, with significant community input.
- The placemaking conference in Norman was well-attended by city staff and provided valuable insights for Oklahoma City.
- A chamber inter-city visit to Austin highlighted Oklahoma City's progress and better traffic management compared to Austin.
- The Code Enforcement Workshop scheduled for tonight has been cancelled due to inclement weather and will be rescheduled.
- The Red Bud Festival organizers were complimented for excellent signage and traffic management.
Agenda Summary
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Stuart Malloy led the invocation, and Councilman Shadid led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Performance by Oklahoma City University Student
Megan Wagner performed a piece from Bernstein's Mass, promoting the upcoming performance at the Civic Center.
Proclamation for National Service Recognition Day
Mayor Mick Cornet proclaimed April 9th, 2013, as National Service Recognition Day, recognizing local service organizations.
Resolution Recognizing Teresa Fletcher as Teacher of the Month
A resolution commending Teresa Fletcher for her selection as April 2013 Teacher of the Month was unanimously approved.
3A: Receive Official Election Returns
Official election returns for the April 2nd, 2013 election in four wards were received.
3B: Swearing-in Ceremony for Council Members
James Grryer (Ward 1), Larry Mcatee (Ward 3), Pete White (Ward 4), and John A. Pettis Jr. (Ward 7) were sworn into office.
3D & 3E: Appointments to MAPS 3 Citizen Advisory Boards
Appointments to MAPS 3 citizen advisory boards were approved.
3F: Resolution for Mayor's Travel to US Conference of Mayors
A resolution approving the Mayor's travel to the annual meeting of the US Conference of Mayors was approved.
4A: Receive Journal of Council Proceedings (April 2nd)
The Journal of Council Proceedings for April 2nd was received.
4B: Approve Journal of Council Proceedings (March 26th)
The Journal of Council Proceedings for March 26th was approved.
5: Request for Uncontested Continuances
Several items were stricken from the agenda or deferred, including an agreement with OG&E, and various dilapidated/unsecured structure cases where owners had taken action.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA) Items
Eight items on the OCMFA agenda were approved.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPPA) Items
Two items on the OCPPA agenda were approved.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (OCEAT) Items
Two items on the OCEAT agenda were approved.
Consent Docket
The consent docket, with some items pulled for individual consideration, was approved.
6D: Subdivision Improvements
Discussion on the process and cost coverage for city completion of developer-defaulted subdivision improvements.
6H: Street Widening Project
Discussion on the timeline for a street widening project, with plans 100% complete and scheduled for a 2014 start.
6I: Joint Project with Nichols Hills (ADA Ramps)
Concerns raised about ensuring ADA ramps connect to sidewalks to avoid 'ramps to nowhere'.
6O.1: Loading Zone Parking Restriction
Discussion about the designation of loading zones, specifically if they should be restricted to certain hours or 24/7.
6Q: Natural Gas Project
Confirmation that the project is for natural gas service to a service station, unrelated to CNG.
6W: New Computing System
Discussion on the cost-effectiveness and estimated savings of a new computing system for electronic bid submissions.
6F: Contract Award for Utility Cut Repairs
Discussion on encouraging the contractor to match street pavings for aesthetic consistency during utility cut repairs.
6X: Amendment to Landscape Architectural Services
Noted as a step towards coordinating MAPS 3 projects, extending Central Park to the river banks.
6K & 6L: Work on North Bryant Avenue
Discussion on the timeline for work on North Bryant Avenue, including design and construction schedule.
Concurrence Docket
The concurrence docket was approved unanimously.
8A1: Zoning Case (1024 West I240 Service Road, Ward 5)
Zoning change for a former Crispy Cream to a garage restaurant was approved.
8A2: Zoning Case (1811 North MacArthur Boulevard, Ward 3)
Zoning change from R1 single-family residential to C3 community commercial district was approved.
8A3: Zoning Case (1424 North Rockwell, Ward 3)
Zoning change from R1 single-family to a simplified planned unit development for a self-storage facility was approved.
8B: Proposed Name Change (Ward 3)
A proposed name change, honoring Lindsay, was approved.
8C: Deferred Item
Item 8C was deferred until April 23rd.
8D: Request for Special Permit (80001 Pole Road, Ward 4)
A special permit for an oil field service company was approved.
8E: Request to Close a Portion of a Utility Easement (Ward 7)
A request to close a portion of a utility easement was approved.
8F: Final Hearing on Retirement Plan
A final hearing on a retirement plan was deferred for two weeks.
8G: Ordinance Introduction (Flashing Yellow Left Turn Signals)
An ordinance to allow flashing yellow left turn signals was introduced for public hearing.
8H: Ordinance Introduction (Water Conservation - Chapter 55)
An ordinance related to water conservation (Chapter 55) was introduced for public hearing.
8I: Ordinance Introduction (Water Conservation - Chapter 57)
An ordinance related to water conservation (Chapter 57) was introduced for public hearing.
8J: Public Hearing Regarding Dilapidated Structures
Items related to dilapidated structures were approved.
8K: Public Hearing Regarding Unsecured Structures
Items related to unsecured structures were approved.
8L1: Revocable Right-of-Way Permit (Sound Bites Concert)
A revocable right-of-way permit for the 'Sound Bites' concert was approved.
8L2: Revocable Right-of-Way Permit (El Dia Del Nino)
A revocable right-of-way permit for the 'El Dia Del Nino' event was approved.
8M: Revising Trust Indenture and Bond Indenture for COTPA
Changes to the COTPA trust indenture were approved.
8N1: Resolution Adoption
A resolution was adopted.
8O: Resolution Adoption
A resolution was adopted.
8P: Resolution Adoption
A resolution was adopted.
8Q: Item to Strike
Item 8Q was stricken.
8R: Claims Recommended for Denial
Claims recommended for denial were denied.
8R1C: Claim of Tim and Christy Isel
A claim for property damage due to a water main break was denied.
8R1G: Claim of Martha Rasmusen
The claim of Martha Rasmusen was deferred for two weeks.
9A: Claims Recommended for Approval
Claims recommended for approval were approved.
Items from Council
Discussions on police officer staffing, fire protection in Ward 7, Midtown plan amendments, placemaking conference, and the Austin inter-city visit.
Citizens to be Heard
Joe Sarge Nelson spoke against horse slaughter in Oklahoma City.