Meeting Summary
The City Council approved a $13.5 million budget amendment, bringing the total budget to $979 million, and authorized the issuance of debt for a new 830-space downtown parking garage. A proposed ordinance change to exempt non-profit senior transportation services (ITN) from vehicle-for-hire regulations was set for a public hearing. Additionally, a citizen's claim for vehicle damage due to alleged defective roadway conditions was continued for revision.
Key Decisions & Votes
Budget Amendment of $13.5 million
No timestamp providedThe city's budget was increased by $13.5 million to a total of $979 million, addressing various capital improvement projects, fire department equipment, outdoor arena funding, and significant drought-related costs for water utilities.
Issuance of debt for new downtown parking garage
No timestamp providedApproved the issuance of debt for a new 10-level, 830-space parking garage in the downtown central business district, designed with future development capabilities and ground-floor retail. Construction is expected to take 12 months.
Vehicle for Hire Ordinance Change for ITN
No timestamp providedProposed ordinance change to exempt non-profit transportation services for seniors (Independent Transportation Network - ITN) from vehicle for hire regulations. ITN is a membership-based, volunteer-driven service. The item was set for a public hearing on March 12th.
Upcoming Community Events
Run Lucky 5K
Starts at Chesapeake, ends at Classen Curve shopping center. Raises money for Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Website: runlucky.com.
Ancient 8th Night Market
Hudson between 7th and 8th. Expanding to block both lanes of traffic. Includes stage, lighting, paid musicians.
Public meeting for NW 23rd Street Revitalization Phase 1
Site to be determined. Will showcase branding for 'Windsor District' and streetscape plans.
Financial Matters
Allocation of $1.3 million from unlisted street funds for I-40 relocation obligation
Funds used to cover city's obligation for I-40 enhancement and boulevard project, which was $1 million short.
Allocation of $150,000 for Myriad Gardens
Final step in moving employees to foundation, aiming to reduce city subsidy to 33% by FY14-15 through increased revenue and reduced expenses.
Budget Amendment of $13.5 million
Increases city budget to $979 million, covering various capital projects, fire department needs, outdoor arena funding, risk management, drainage improvements, and significant increases for water/wastewater utility due to drought.
Issuance of debt for new downtown parking garage
Approval for the issuance of debt to fund the construction of a new 10-level, 830-space parking garage in downtown, with retail space and future development capability.
February Sales Tax Collection Report
Sales tax collections for February were slightly below target but showed growth over the previous year, indicating continued economic strength for the city.
Public Comments
A citizen (Dalton Beebe, with co-signer Sherry Reeves) presented a claim for $6,500 for vehicle damage, asserting that a defective roadway caused his truck to lose control and roll over. City staff noted discrepancies with the police report, which indicated the driver veered across the center line. Council decided to continue the claim for two weeks to allow the claimant to revise the amount based on the vehicle's blue book value minus salvage.
Coming Up
Tabled
- PUD 1476 (Item 8a) deferred until April 2nd council meeting
- 221 North Kate (Item 8f1a) stricken (owner secured)
- 3509 South Cline (Item 8f1b) stricken (owner secured)
- 2206 West Lindsay West (Item 8f1c) stricken (owner secured)
- 1704 North Lynn (Item 8f1d) stricken (rework for additional violations)
- 8212 Lyman Road (Item 8f1e) stricken (owner demolished, rework as rebel and debris)
- 3824 Southwest 40th (Item 8f1k) stricken (owner secured)
- Claim for denial (Item 8o3d) by Dalton Beebe/Sherry Reeves continued for two weeks for revision.
Watch For
- Air Force Sustainment Center Community Leaders Program in March
- American Chamber of Commerce Executives annual meeting in July (OKC host)
- Tinker Dining Out on May 5th (40th anniversary)
- Presentation on city safety committee/accident prevention program requested.
- Report on balance and breakdown of unlisted bond funds requested.
- Public Works and Planning to work together on bike routes and dedicated bike lanes with available resources.
- Public hearing for Vehicle for Hire Ordinance Change (ITN) on March 12th.
- Review of city's practice of piggybacking on state contracts to ensure best deals.
- Continued discussion and potential Title VI challenges regarding the city's transit strategy, particularly concerning streetcar funding versus bus system improvements.
Announcements
- Bart Shot recognized as March 2013 South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club Employee of the Month for his contributions to the Human Resources department.
- OKC Chamber of Commerce President Roy Williams provided an update on Tinker Air Force Base, economic forecast, trade shows, and inner-city visits. Tinker Dining Out 40th anniversary on May 5th.
- Civic Center sidewalk improvements expected to be completed within two weeks (by March 22nd).
- New Embassy Suites Hotel announced for Northeast Oklahoma City (8th and Phillips), a $25 million project with 194 rooms and meeting space.
- Councilman Skip acknowledged the passing of Zora Brown, a Maps 3 wellness committee member.
- Councilwoman Meg Salyer welcomed Ann Zakritz to the HP Commission for Ward 6.
- Progress noted on Couch Drive sidewalk improvements.
- Reminder that today is Election Day in Oklahoma City (Ward 1 and Ward 7). Governor's initiative to put smoking matter on statewide ballot (don'tsmokeonme.com) mentioned.
- Oklahoma City Community College hosted the NAIA National Swim Championship, won by Oklahoma Baptist University.
- Progress on NW 23rd Street Revitalization Phase 1, with a public meeting scheduled for April 2nd and construction starting in July.
- February sales tax collections were slightly below target but still showed growth over last year. Fairgrounds events (Class B finals, antique show) drew large crowds and contributed to local spending.
Agenda Summary
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Opening of the meeting with an invocation by Father James Pruitt and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilman Pat Ryan.
Resolution recognizing Bart Shot as Employee of the Month
Recognition of Bart Shot for 12 years of service and improvements in HR IT, including interactive smart forms and cost-saving measures.
Presentation from Roy Williams, President of the OKC Chamber of Commerce (Item 3b)
Quarterly update on Tinker Air Force Base, economic forecast, economic development challenges, trade shows, and other community initiatives.
Receive the journal of council proceedings for February 26th (Item 4a)
Official record of council proceedings from the specified date.
Approve the journal of council proceedings for February 19th (Item 4b)
Official record of council proceedings from the specified date.
Request for uncontested continuances (Item 5)
Requests to defer or strike various agenda items.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority agenda items
Six items, including discussions on workers' compensation claims.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority agenda items
Claims and payroll items.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust agenda items
Claims and payroll items.
Consent Docket (Item 6)
Various routine items including easement releases, funding allocations for I-40 and Myriad Gardens, and MAPS 3 Fairgrounds parking lot improvements.
Concurrence Docket (Item 7)
Two items requiring concurrence.
PUD 1476 (Item 8a)
A planned unit development item.
Drainage Easement in Ward 3 (Item 8b1)
Approval of a drainage easement.
Drainage Easement in Ward 3 (Item 8b2)
Approval of a drainage easement.
Close an access easement in Ward 1 (Item 8c)
Approval to close an access easement.
Public Hearing regarding Vehicle for Hire Ordinance Change to exempt non-profit transportation services (ITN) (Item 8d)
Discussion and public comments on a proposed ordinance change to exempt non-profit senior transportation services from vehicle for hire regulations.
Public Hearing regarding dilapidated structures (Item 8e)
Review of items related to dilapidated structures.
Public Hearing regarding unsecured structures (Item 8f)
Review of items related to unsecured structures.
Public Hearing regarding a budget amendment (Item 8g)
Presentation and discussion on a $13.5 million budget amendment for various city funds and projects.
Right-of-way permit for Run Lucky 5K in Ward 2 (Item 8h1)
Approval for a 5K charity run.
Right-of-way permit for Ancient 8th Night Market in Ward 6 (Item 8h2)
Approval for a series of night markets, expanding to block both lanes of traffic.
Issuance of debt for the new parking garage (Item 8i)
Presentation and discussion on the financing and design of a new 10-level, 830-space parking garage in downtown.
Item 8j
Discussion of a confidential matter.
Item 8k
Approval of an item.
Item 8l
Approval of an item.
Item 8m
Discussion on an item.
Item 8n
Discussion of a confidential matter.
Claims recommended for denial (excluding 8o3d)
Review of various claims against the city.
Claim recommended for denial (Item 8o3d)
Claim for vehicle damage due to alleged defective roadway conditions.
Claims recommended for approval (Item 9)
Review of various claims against the city.