Meeting Summary
The City Council approved several zoning requests, including a special permit for a residential drug and alcohol treatment facility and the reclassification of agricultural land for single-family residential use. Key revocable permits were granted for major community events like the Festival of the Arts and the Memorial Marathon. A significant public-private partnership for the Will Rogers Park Tennis Center was also approved, aiming to create a year-round facility and expand youth programs.
Key Decisions & Votes
Special Permit for Residential Drug and Alcohol Treatment Plant
The council approved a special permit for the Referral Center to establish a residential drug and alcohol treatment facility in Ward 6, despite public protest. An emergency motion was also passed to expedite the process.
Will Rogers Park Tennis Center Capital Improvement Project
As part of the Public Property Authority items, the council approved a public-private partnership for a $2.88 million capital improvement project to transform the Tennis Center into a year-round facility with indoor courts and a youth program.
Repeal of Limitation on Vocal Permits in Paseo District
The council approved the repeal of limitations on vocal permits for festivals and events in the Paseo District, addressing a previous legal action.
Amendment to Personnel and Retirement System
The council approved an amendment to the personnel and retirement system, which caps the maximum cost of living adjustment for pensions at 2% but does not mandate annual adjustments.
Upcoming Community Events
National Poetry Month
Proclaimed by the Mayor, celebrating American poets and poetry.
Festival of the Arts
Downtown Oklahoma City, featuring art, food vendors, performing artists, and a new culinary arts demonstration area.
Kim Ray Thunder Watch Party
On the Kim Ray campus at 52 Northwest 42nd Street, for employees and their families, closing the street for games and a big screen TV.
Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon
Covers five wards, with new medals, t-shirt, and color scheme. Online registration closes April 21. Health and Fitness Expo April 26-27 at Cox Convention Center. Expecting 24,000+ runners.
23rd Street Revitalization Public Meeting
6:00 PM at Mayfield Middle School, hosted by Public Works and Public Communications, to present plans for the 23rd Street revitalization (Ann Arbor to Tulsa).
Financial Matters
Will Rogers Park Tennis Center Capital Improvement Project
A proposed 2.88 million dollar capital improvement project for the Tennis Center, structured as a 50-50 partnership between First Serve OKC and the City of Oklahoma City.
Residential Drug and Alcohol Treatment Plant (Referral Center)
The applicant plans to spend a couple of million dollars on the new facility. A public commenter noted the existing facility draws approximately $1.8 million from the state, with an estimated $4-5 million for the new, larger facility.
Public Comments
One citizen spoke in protest against the special permit for the Referral Center, citing concerns about the impact of non-profit organizations on neighborhood quality, increased panhandling, vandalism, and the use of taxpayer funds. Another citizen requested more time to repair a dilapidated property, citing family issues and his mother's health.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Zoning Case (16300 N Western Ave) deferred to April 30
- Sound Bites event permit to be brought back next week due to typographical error
Deadlines
- Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon online registration closes: April 21
- Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon Health and Fitness Expo: April 26-27
- Festival of the Arts: April 23-28
- Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon: April 28
Watch For
- Discussion on policy parameters for a Convention Center Hotel study
- Southwest sector plan change recommendation coming before council
- Legislative agenda items regarding trash, dilapidated structures, and the Oklahoma School of Science and Math
- Discussion on the use of leftover funds from Maps for Kids
- Further discussions with Putnam City Schools administration regarding opening playgrounds to the public
- Civic Center consultant work regarding shared spaces and underutilized areas
Announcements
- April is National Poetry Month, recognized with a proclamation.
- Pat Ryan will serve as Vice Mayor for the next six months.
- The Police Department will reinstate a beat officer on the west side of town to address neighborhood concerns.
- New, clearer notices for rezoning applications will begin to be sent out tomorrow.
- The Toby Keith Foundation's Kids Corral at Athan and Larrick in northeast Oklahoma City is approximately 95% complete on exterior construction and is expected to finish this fall.
- Updates on Maps 3 trails: the Katy Trail is expected to reopen next week, the North River Trail is closed for a lighting project and bridge extension until June, and new trail projects will be put out to bid this summer.
Agenda Summary
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Opening of the meeting with an invocation by Dr. Robert Grell and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilman David Greenwell.
Proclamation for National Poetry Month
A proclamation was read declaring April 2013 as National Poetry Month in Oklahoma City, with local poets present.
Notification of Vice Mayor Appointment
Notification that Pat Ryan will serve as Vice Mayor for the next six months, thanking Councilman Mars for his service.
Appointments (Items 3b, c, d)
Three appointments were presented for council approval.
Item 3e (National Infrastructure Committee details)
An item related to a national infrastructure committee, brought back due to changes in details.
Journal of Council Proceedings (Item 4a)
To receive the journal of council proceedings for March 26.
Journal of Council Proceedings (Item 4b)
To approve the journal of council proceedings for March 19.
Request for Uncontested Continuances (Item 5)
Requests for uncontested continuances, with several dilapidated/unsecured structures stricken from the list due to owner repairs or removal.
Municipal Facilities Authority (MFA) Items
Three items presented to the Municipal Facilities Authority.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (PPA) Items
Three items presented to the Oklahoma City Public Property Authority, including a presentation on the Will Rogers Park Tennis Center expansion.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (OCEAT) Claims and Payroll
Claims and payroll items for the Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust.
Consent Docket
A series of routine items grouped for a single vote.
Concurrence Docket
No items were present on the concurrence docket.
Zoning Case (8a-1, 16300 N Western Ave)
A zoning case in Ward 7 for a planned unit development, deferred at the applicant's request.
Zoning Case (8a-2, 3151 NE 10th St)
A zoning case in Ward 7 to expand a wrecker operation, with the applicant having complied with Planning Commission requirements.
Special Permit (8b, Residential Drug and Alcohol Treatment Plant)
An application by the Referral Center for a special permit for a residential drug and alcohol treatment facility in Ward 6.
Zoning Case (8c, 13501 W Reno Ave)
A zoning case in Ward 3 to change agricultural zoning to single-family residential, following a Planning Commission recommendation to reclassify the land for urban development.
Public Hearing (8d, Personnel and Retirement System)
A public hearing on an amendment to the personnel and retirement system, regarding cost of living adjustments for pensions.
Legal Action (8e, Paseo District Permits)
An item resulting from legal action, proposing to repeal the limitation on vocal permits for festivals and events in the Paseo District.
Public Hearing (8f, Dilapidated Structures)
A public hearing regarding a series of dilapidated structures, with one property owner requesting more time for repairs.
Public Hearing (8g, Unsecured Structures)
A public hearing regarding a series of unsecured structures.
Revocable Right of Way Permit (8h-1, Festival of the Arts)
A request for a revocable right of way permit for the Festival of the Arts.
Revocable Right of Way Permit (8h-2, Sound Bites)
A request for a revocable right of way permit for the Sound Bites event, stricken due to a typographical error on the date.
Revocable Right of Way Permit (8h-3, Kim Ray Thunder Watch Party)
A request for a revocable right of way permit for the Kim Ray Thunder Watch Party.
Revocable Right of Way Permit (8h-4, Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon)
A request for a revocable right of way permit for the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon.
Item 8i (Executive Session)
An item for executive session, which was determined not to be needed.
Items from Council (Item 9)
Council members presented various updates, concerns, and requests for future consideration.
City Manager Reports
Presentations on the Cultural Plan Artist Support Study and EMSA Contract Compliance.
Citizens to be Heard
No citizens signed up to speak during this session.