Meeting Summary
The City Council approved the preliminary report for the MAPS 3 racecourse windscreen and several street closures. Updates were provided on the successful Holiday River Parade, the ongoing drought and water conservation efforts, and the significant revitalization of the Plaza District. Discussions also covered employee health center proposals and public art initiatives.
Key Decisions & Votes
Port Authority Appointment
07:00The appointment of Craig Peninson to the Port Authority was unanimously approved by the council.
MAPS 3 Racecourse Windscreen Preliminary Report
30:00The preliminary report for the design and construction of the 40-foot tall windscreen on the south side of the Oklahoma River, intended to mitigate wind for the race course, was unanimously approved.
Upcoming Community Events
Holiday River Parade
Next year's theme will focus on the 20th anniversary of MAPS. Attracted approximately 20,000 people this year.
Plaza District Festival
Brings about 4,000 people to the district, featuring over 50 artists and 200 performers.
Live on the Plaza
Monthly art walk attracting about 1,200 people for live music, local art, shopping, and urban life.
Financial Matters
Covered Outside Arena at Fairgrounds Contract Award
Contract awarded for the construction of a covered outside arena at the fairgrounds, with the bid coming in significantly under the engineer's estimate.
CBB Hotel Tax Collections
Reported average monthly hotel tax collections, indicating a strong tourism economy.
MAPS 3 Racecourse Windscreen Project Budget
The project is currently on budget for the design and construction of the windscreen.
Request for Proposals (RFP) for Employee Health Center
Discussion regarding the RFP for an employee health center, focusing on potential healthcare expense reduction and return on investment.
Public Comments
One citizen inquired about the funding source and specific allocation for a horticulture purchase listed on the consent docket.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Consent Docket Item 6a,b (workers' compensation case)
- OCMFA Item E (companion workers' compensation case)
Deadlines
- PUD 1476 deferred until March 5th
Watch For
- Final hearing for the model aircraft issue to be set.
- Further discussions on rate pricing strategies for water conservation.
- Potential cancellation of the Lake Hefner regatta season.
- Plaza District exploring the creation of a Business Improvement District (BID) and organizational restructuring.
Announcements
- Recognition of winners from the annual Holiday River Parade, including the YWCA for the Mayor's Award.
- The Stanley Draper statue has been re-erected outside City Hall.
- Governor Fallin was complimented for her comments on local control for tobacco products in her State of the State address.
- A productive town meeting was held regarding transient traffic in the Main Street corridor, with discussions on adding a beat cop.
- A successful meeting was held concerning the Martin Luther King parade, fostering a working relationship for future events.
- Councilman Skip Kelly clarified the history and outcome of PUD 1469 (OU Health Science Center master plan), noting its withdrawal and amendment after extensive community engagement.
- The Convention and Visitors Bureau (CBB) reported positive hotel tax collections and an optimistic outlook for the tourism industry in Oklahoma City.
- An update on the city's water situation was provided, detailing drought conditions, conservation efforts, and future plans.
- The Plaza District presented an update on its significant revitalization, highlighting increased private investment, business growth, and community impact.
- A community meeting for the Garden Days/Garden Oaks area regarding PUD 1474 will be held at 5:30 PM at the Community Action Center, 3401 NE 16th Street.
Agenda Summary
Appointment of Craig Peninson to the Port Authority
Motion for the appointment of Craig Peninson to the Port Authority.
Receive Journal of Council Proceedings for January 29th
To formally receive the journal of council proceedings from the specified date.
Approve Journal of Council Proceedings for January 22nd
To formally approve the journal of council proceedings from the specified date.
Request for Uncontested Continuances
Requests for deferrals and striking of various items from the consent docket and individual consideration.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA) Items
Consideration of nine items, including a Request for Proposals for an employee health center and workers' compensation claims.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPPA) Items
Consideration of seven items, including a contract award for the fairgrounds covered outside arena and a call for artists for the Lincoln Park Golf Course.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (OCEAT) Claims and Payroll
Consideration of claims and payroll for the Environmental Assistance Trust.
Consent Docket
Routine items grouped for efficient approval, including a horticulture purchase.
Concurrence Docket Item 7a
A single item on the concurrence docket.
PUD 1476
A Planned Unit Development item in Ward 7.
Street Closure: Portion of Northwest 4th Street between Harvey and Hudson (Ward 6)
Request to close a specific portion of Northwest 4th Street.
Street Closure: Near Northeast 8th Street and Oklahoma Avenue (Ward 6)
Request to close a specific portion near Northeast 8th Street and Oklahoma Avenue.
Street Closure: Ward 1
Request for a street closure in Ward 1, in conjunction with the Baptist Retirement Village project.
Street Closure: Ward 7
Request for a street closure in Ward 7.
Street Closure: Ward 2
Request for a street closure in Ward 2.
Public Hearing: Model Aircraft Issue
Second public hearing regarding the model aircraft issue.
Public Hearing: Downtown Design Ordinances (Outside Sellers)
Public hearing concerning downtown design ordinances related to outside sellers and staging areas.
Public Hearing: Dilapidated Structures
Public hearing regarding a list of dilapidated structures.
Unsecured Structures
Consideration of a list of unsecured structures.
Resolution Approving Preliminary Report for MAPS 3 Racecourse Windscreen
Resolution to approve the preliminary report for the construction of a windscreen on the south side of the Oklahoma River as part of MAPS 3.
Executive Session (Item 8h)
Scheduled executive session.
Claims Recommended for Denial
Consideration of claims recommended for denial.
Claims Recommended for Approval
Consideration of two claims recommended for approval.