Meeting Summary
The City Council approved the naming of the Lake Hefner trails as 'The Bert Cooper Trail' in honor of Bert Cooper's contributions. They also approved the introduction of $90 million in GO bonds, which received a AAA rating, and reviewed the preliminary report for Phase One of the MAPS 3 Sidewalk Project. Discussions included wildfire prevention efforts and a significant litigation settlement.
Key Decisions & Votes
Naming of Lake Hefner Trails
22:55The City Council unanimously approved naming the trails at Lake Hefner 'The Bert Cooper Trail' in recognition of Bert Cooper's significant efforts and perseverance in establishing them.
Issuance of GO Bonds
30:50An ordinance was introduced and set for final hearing on March 19th for the issuance of $90 million in general obligation bonds, which have received a AAA rating.
Litigation Settlement
39:30A resolution was adopted to settle litigation where the city was deemed negligent regarding a water main break, acknowledging a substantial settlement.
Upcoming Community Events
Western Avenue Block Party
Western Avenue from 41st to 42nd in Ward 2
Financial Matters
Good Shepherd Ministries Grant
Good Shepherd Ministries received a significant grant to expand medical care and community services.
Capital Hill Library Improvements
Negotiating a contract for improvements to the Capital Hill Library.
Issuance of GO Bonds
Ordinance for the 2013 series of GO bonds, which received a AAA rating from Moody's and Standard & Poor's, with an expected true interest cost under 3%.
MAPS 3 Phase One Sidewalk Project
Preliminary report for Phase One of the MAPS 3 Sidewalk Improvement Project, covering a minimum of 14.5 miles across 17 alignments. Project one, estimated at $1.4375 million, is expected to be completed by October.
Litigation settlement (IFF vs. City)
Settlement for litigation where the city was found negligent due to a pressurized water main near a home, prior notice of issues, and failure to shut down the main promptly after a break.
Travel expenses for Councilman Greenwell
Approval of travel expenses for Councilman Greenwell to attend the Harvard Kennedy School for Senior Executives in July.
Public Comments
A citizen, Joe Nelson, expressed concerns about alleged corruption at City Hall, inadequate police staffing, and the design of I-40 for ice conditions. He requested a meeting with specific council members to present his findings from a four-year investigation.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Ordinance on Final hearing, SPUD 452 (deferred to March 26)
Watch For
- Final hearing for the ordinance on vehicles for hire (nonprofit organizations) next week.
- Final hearing for the issuance of $90 million in GO bonds on March 19th.
- Serious negotiations on the Tarrant County Supreme Court case expected in early April.
- Additional funding for MAPS 3 sidewalks from fund balance after initial bids are received.
Announcements
- Dr. Tom Ogburn highlighted Good Shepherd Ministries' expansion of medical care with a $7.7 million grant from the Butterfield Foundation, including plans for a Mobile Medical Clinic and portable grocery stores.
- Joanne Lang was recognized as the March 2013 Teacher of the Month by the Edmund Public Schools Foundation and Rotary Club of Oklahoma City.
- Condolences were extended for the passing of John Belt, recognized as a pioneer in urban infill and placemaking, particularly for his work in developing The Paseo district.
- Pastor Mark Youngblood at Crossbridge Church was thanked for inviting a council member to their 126th anniversary service.
- The Oklahoma City Fire Department provided an update on Wildland fire prevention efforts, including public awareness campaigns, gate tags for hazards, and town hall meetings, encouraging citizens to maintain their property and report suspicious activities.
Agenda Summary
Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance
Opening prayer by Dr. Tom Ogburn from First Baptist Church of Oklahoma City, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Resolution recognizing Joanne Lang as March 2013 Teacher of the Month
Recognition of Joanne Lang, a third-grade teacher at Charles Haskell Elementary School, for her 25 years of dedication.
Journal of Council Proceedings
Receiving the proceedings for March 5th and approving the proceedings for February 26th.
Request for uncontested continuances
Requests to strike or rework several items under dilapidated structures and claims for denial.
Convene as Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority
Meeting convened as the Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority to address several items.
Convene as Oklahoma City Public Property Authority
Meeting convened as the Oklahoma City Public Property Authority to address several items, including negotiation strategies with firms.
Convene as Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust
Meeting convened as the Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust to address two items, including the use of natural gas powered chassis.
Reconvene the council meeting with the consent docket
Consideration of items AC (Merl Medley Park donation), AB (firehouse relocation), 6I (Capital Hill Library improvements), and 6AA (Riverfront Redevelopment Authority management letter).
Resolution approving the request by Oklahoma City Beautiful to name the trails at Lake Hefner The Bert Cooper Trail
Resolution to honor former Lake Herbert Trails Incorporated and Oklahoma City Beautiful board member Bert Cooper by naming the Lake Hefner trails after him.
Concurrent docket
Consideration of items on the concurrent docket.
Item 8A1: ABC 776 at 5900 Mellar Drive
Application for ABC 776 overlaying Pud 1232 in Ward 2 for a restaurant.
Item 8A2: ABC 777 at 228 Northeast SE
Application for ABC 777 in the downtown business district, Ward 7.
Item 8A3: PC10331 at 10501 Northwest 23rd
Rezoning request from ABLE-A to R1 in Ward 1.
Item 8A4: PC10334 at 3400 North Lincoln
Rezoning request from R1 to O2 general office district in Ward 7.
Item 8A5: SPUD 697 at 2501 South I35 service road
Rezoning request from R1 to AE2 and A2 to SPUD in Ward 7.
Item 8B: Ordinance on Final hearing, SPUD 452
Special permit to operate a participant recreation and entertainment facility.
Item 8C: Public hearing on an ordinance for vehicles for hire
Second public hearing for an ordinance concerning nonprofit organizations operating vehicles for hire.
Item 8D: Ordinance to introduce and set for final hearing on March 19th, issuance of GO bonds for $90 million
Introduction of an ordinance for the issuance of this year's series of general obligation bonds.
Item 8E: Public hearing regarding dilapidated structures
Public hearing concerning properties identified as dilapidated structures.
Item 8F: Public hearing on unsecured structure
Public hearing concerning properties identified as unsecured structures.
Item 8G: Right-of-way permit for Beck's Automotive to hold the Western Avenue block party
Approval of a permit for a block party on Western Avenue from 41st to 42nd Street.
Item 8I: Resolution approving the preliminary report for the phase one of the project sidewalk for MAPS
Presentation and approval of the preliminary report for the first phase of the MAPS 3 sidewalk improvement project.
Item 8J: Litigation settlement (IFF vs. City)
Discussion and resolution regarding a litigation settlement where the city was found negligent concerning a water main break.
Item 8K: Executive session item
Consideration of an item that was previously designated for executive session, but was determined not to require it.
Item 8L: Executive session item (related to Tarrant County case)
Consideration of an item related to the Tarrant County Supreme Court case, which was determined not to require executive session.
Item 8M: Claims recommended for denial
Consideration of two remaining claims recommended for denial.
Extra Item: Executive session on pending litigation of IFF vs. the city
Motion to convene in executive session to discuss pending litigation.
Item 9: Claims recommended for approval
Consideration of claims recommended for approval.
Item 10A: Resolution approving travel expenses for councilman Greenwell to attend the Harvard Kennedy School for senior Executives in July
Approval of funding for Councilman Greenwell's attendance at a senior executive program.
Items from Council
Council members shared condolences for John Belt and recognized a church anniversary.
City Manager Report
Chief Bryant presented a report on Wildland fire prevention efforts and public awareness campaigns.
Citizens to be heard
Opportunity for citizens to address the council.
Adjournment
The meeting concluded after returning from executive session.