THE CITY OF OKLAHOMA CITY
JOURNAL OF COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 18, 2003
(The agenda was posted on the Council Chamber bulletin board at 4:01 p.m. on
March 14, 2003.)
I. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
PASTOR TOM ELLIFF
FIRST SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHURCH OF DEL CITY
PLEDGE LED BY COUNCILMAN MICK CORNETT.
II. Call to Order. 8:39 a.m.
VICE MAYOR BRENT RINEHART PRESIDING.
MAYOR KIRK HUMPHREYS ABSENT.
III. From the Office of the Mayor.
IV. A. Receive Journal of Council Proceedings for March 11, 2003.
RECEIVED. MOVED BY BROOKS, SECONDED BY SIMANK. AYES: CORNETT, BROOKS, MCATEE,
VICE MAYOR RINEHART, FOSHEE, SIMANK, JOHNSON AND LIEBMANN.
B. Approve Journal of Council Proceedings for March 4, 2003.
APPROVED. MOVED BY BROOKS, SECONDED BY SIMANK. AYES: CORNETT, BROOKS, MCATEE,
VICE MAYOR RINEHART, FOSHEE, SIMANK, JOHNSON AND LIEBMANN.
V. Request for Uncontested Continuances.
RECESS COUNCIL MEETING. 8:59 a.m.
CONVENE AS OKLAHOMA CITY PUBLIC PROPERTY AUTHORITY. 8:59 a.m.
(Five of nine affirmative votes required for approval.)
1. a. Joint resolution authorizing the Municipal Counselor to institute legal proceedings
on behalf of The City of Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma City Public Property Authority
against Transcontinental Insurance Company and North American Insurance Agency, and
others who may be liable.
b. Enter into executive session with the Municipal Counselor to discuss said case
as authorized by 25 O.S. (2001) §307(B)(4).
ENTERED INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION: 1. b. MOVED BY LIEBMANN, SECONDED BY BROOKS. AYES:
CORNETT, BROOKS, MCATEE, VICE MAYOR RINEHART, FOSHEE, SIMANK, JOHNSON AND LIEBMANN.
ADOPTED: 1. a. MOVED BY LIEBMANN, SECONDED BY BROOKS. AYES: CORNETT, BROOKS,
VICE MAYOR RINEHART, SIMANK, AND LIEBMANN. ABSENT: MCATEE, FOSHEE AND JOHNSON.
MUNICIPAL COUNSELOR'S OFFICE.
2. Joint resolution authorizing staff to negotiate an agreement with Oklahoma Titans,
Inc., for operation and management of athletic facilities and youth sports programs
at Woodson Park Sports Complex. Ward 3.
ADOPTED. MOVED BY LIEBMANN, SECONDED BY BROOKS. AYES: CORNETT, BROOKS, MCATEE,
VICE MAYOR RINEHART, FOSHEE, SIMANK, JOHNSON AND LIEBMANN. PARKS AND RECREATION
DEPARTMENT.
ADJOURN OCPPA. 8:59 a.m.
RECONVENE COUNCIL MEETING.
VI. Consent Docket.
A. Ratify and approve Addendum No. 1 and award contract to Chief Fire and
Safety Company, Inc. (C36136), extrication tools, extrication tool parts, repair
parts, accessories and services, March 18, 2003 through June 30, 2003, estimated
cost $275,625; and approving contract.
RATIFIED, AWARDED AND APPROVED. MOVED BY LIEBMANN, SECONDED BY BROOKS. AYES: CORNETT,
BROOKS, MCATEE, VICE MAYOR RINEHART, FOSHEE, SIMANK, JOHNSON AND LIEBMANN. PROCUREMENT
SERVICES DIVISION.
B. Resolution authorizing the open market purchase of Jet A aviation fuel (OM3-C38073),
retroactive to July 1, 2002 through June 30, 2003, estimated cost $50,000.
ADOPTED. MOVED BY LIEBMANN, SECONDED BY BROOKS. AYES: CORNETT, BROOKS, MCATEE,
VICE MAYOR RINEHART, FOSHEE, SIMANK, JOHNSON AND LIEBMANN. PROCUREMENT SERVICES
DIVISION.
C. Ordinances to be introduced and set for final hearing April 8, 2003:
1. (ABC-535) 3031 West Memorial Road, ABC-3 Alcoholic Beverage Consumption, Club
With Alcohol overlaying the C-3 Community Commercial. Ward 8.
2. (PC-9781) 8400 SW 89th Street from AA Agricultural to R-A Single Family Rural
Residential. Ward 3.
3. (PC-9782) 2838 NW 11th Street from R-1 Single Family Residential to R-2 Medium
Low Density Residential. Ward 6.
4. (PC-9787) 12201 SE 37th Street from AA Agricultural to R-A Single Family Rural
Residential. Ward 4.
INTRODUCED AND SET FOR FINAL HEARING APRIL 8, 2003: C. 1-4. MOVED BY LIEBMANN,
SECONDED BY BROOKS. AYES: CORNETT, BROOKS, MCATEE, VICE MAYOR RINEHART, FOSHEE,
SIMANK, JOHNSON AND LIEBMANN. PLANNING DEPARTMENT.
VI. D. 1. Ordinance to be introduced and set for final hearing April 22, 2003,
(CE-604) closing an eight-foot portion of a platted 15-foot utility easement in Lot
8, Block 76, Surrey Hills, Section 9, 11725 Hackney Lane. Ward 8.
2. Resolution establishing a date for enactment of said ordinance and determining
those entitled to notice.
INTRODUCED AND SET FOR FINAL HEARING APRIL 22, 2003: D. 1. ADOPTED: D. 2. MOVED
BY LIEBMANN, SECONDED BY BROOKS. AYES: CORNETT, BROOKS, MCATEE, VICE MAYOR RINEHART,
FOSHEE, SIMANK, JOHNSON AND LIEBMANN. PLANNING DEPARTMENT.
E. Resolution approving Amendment No. 2 to the Memorandum of Agreement with the
State of Oklahoma, Department of Commerce, and the United States Department of Housing
and Urban Development governing the implementation of the Oklahoma City Empowerment
Zone.
ADOPTED. MOVED BY LIEBMANN, SECONDED BY BROOKS. AYES: CORNETT, BROOKS, MCATEE,
VICE MAYOR RINEHART, FOSHEE, SIMANK, JOHNSON AND LIEBMANN. PLANNING DEPARTMENT.
F. Resolution authorizing the reallocation of 2002-2003 Social Services
Grant funds to each of the following agencies: Catholic Charities, $2,000; Community
Action Agency, $2,000; Neighborhood Services Organization, $2,000; and Sunbeam Family
Services, $2,000; and authorization to execute the necessary documents.
ADOPTED. MOVED BY LIEBMANN, SECONDED BY BROOKS. AYES: CORNETT, BROOKS, MCATEE,
VICE MAYOR RINEHART, FOSHEE, SIMANK, JOHNSON AND LIEBMANN. PLANNING DEPARTMENT.
G. Resolution releasing the subdivision bond:
1. Quail Springs Mall 2, north of Memorial Road and east of May Avenue. Ward
8.
2. SummerRidge, north of NW 164th Street and east of May Avenue. Ward 8.
ADOPTED: G. 1, 2. MOVED BY LIEBMANN, SECONDED BY BROOKS. AYES: CORNETT, BROOKS,
MCATEE, VICE MAYOR RINEHART, FOSHEE, SIMANK, JOHNSON AND LIEBMANN. PLANNING DEPARTMENT.
VI. H. Resolution accepting the subdivision bond and dedications contained
in the final plat of Turtle Creek Estates, south of Memorial Road and east of MacArthur
Boulevard. Ward 8.
ADOPTED. MOVED BY LIEBMANN, SECONDED BY BROOKS. AYES: CORNETT, BROOKS, MCATEE,
VICE MAYOR RINEHART, FOSHEE, SIMANK, JOHNSON AND LIEBMANN. PLANNING DEPARTMENT.
I. Resolutions requesting programming for the Surface Transportation Program Urbanized
Area Projects for school zone safety improvements, citywide, and arterial pavement
markings, citywide. Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.
ADOPTED. MOVED BY LIEBMANN, SECONDED BY BROOKS. AYES: CORNETT, BROOKS, MCATEE,
VICE MAYOR RINEHART, FOSHEE, SIMANK, JOHNSON AND LIEBMANN. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
J. Preliminary Engineering Report, Projects TC-0261 and TC-0262, street and intersection
improvements, North Tulsa Avenue and NW 50th Street, and North Tulsa Avenue and NW
10th Street; and authorization to prepare final plans and specifications. Wards
1 and 3.
APPROVED AND AUTHORIZED. MOVED BY LIEBMANN, SECONDED BY BROOKS. AYES: CORNETT,
BROOKS, MCATEE, VICE MAYOR RINEHART, FOSHEE, SIMANK, JOHNSON AND LIEBMANN. PUBLIC
WORKS DEPARTMENT.
K. Real Estate Purchase Agreement for Fee Simple Property Purchase, 800 MHz Trunked
Radio Project, North of Britton Road and east of Morgan Road, $38,000. Ward 1.
APPROVED. MOVED BY LIEBMANN, SECONDED BY BROOKS. AYES: CORNETT, BROOKS, MCATEE,
VICE MAYOR RINEHART, FOSHEE, SIMANK, JOHNSON AND LIEBMANN. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
VI. L. Ratify and approve Addendum No. 1 and award joint contracts to Altivia
(C39030), Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corporation (C39031), Fini Enterprises, Inc. dba
FE3 Incorporated (C39032), General Chemical Corporation (C39033), Industrial Compounding,
Inc. (C39034), Polydyne, Inc. (C39035), and Sweetwater Technologies (C39036), to
provide coagulants and aids for water and wastewater treatment plants, March 18,
2003 through June 30, 2003, and approving contracts.
RATIFIED, AWARDED, AND APPROVED. MOVED BY LIEBMANN, SECONDED BY BROOKS. AYES:
CORNETT, BROOKS, MCATEE, VICE MAYOR RINEHART, FOSHEE, SIMANK, JOHNSON AND LIEBMANN.
WATER AND WASTEWATER UTILITIES DEPARTMENT.
M. Joint resolution with the Oklahoma City Public Property Authority authorizing
staff to negotiate an agreement with Oklahoma Titans, Inc. for operation and management
of athletic facilities and youth sports programs at Woodson Park Sports Complex.
Ward 3.
ADOPTED. MOVED BY LIEBMANN, SECONDED BY BROOKS. AYES: CORNETT, BROOKS, MCATEE,
VICE MAYOR RINEHART, FOSHEE, SIMANK, JOHNSON AND LIEBMANN. PARKS AND RECREATION
DEPARTMENT.
N. 1. Resolution authorizing the Municipal Counselor to waive service of process
and to confess judgment without admission of liability in the amount of $936 and
all costs of the action in the Oklahoma County District Court in the claim filed
by Ashley D. Amend.
2. Resolution authorizing the Municipal Counselor to waive service of process
and to confess judgment without admission of liability in the amount of $1,867.79
and all costs of the action in the Oklahoma County District Court in the claim filed
by William C. Harris.
3. Resolution authorizing the Municipal Counselor to waive service of process
and to confess judgment without admission of liability in the amount of $826.07 and
all costs of the action in the Oklahoma County District Court in the claim filed
by Carol Lowther.
VI. N. 4. Resolution authorizing the Municipal Counselor to waive service
of process and to confess judgment without admission of liability in the amount of
$13,000 and all costs of the action in the Oklahoma County District Court in the
claim filed by James Nickel.
ADOPTED: N. 1-4. MOVED BY LIEBMANN, SECONDED BY BROOKS. AYES: CORNETT, BROOKS,
MCATEE, VICE MAYOR RINEHART, FOSHEE, SIMANK, JOHNSON AND LIEBMANN. MUNICIPAL COUNSELOR'S
OFFICE.
O. Amendment No. 1 to contract with Bank of Oklahoma, N.A., Oklahoma City for
additional wholesale lockbox services for Police alarm permit program, increase of
$22,500.
APPROVED. MOVED BY LIEBMANN, SECONDED BY BROOKS. AYES: CORNETT, BROOKS, MCATEE,
VICE MAYOR RINEHART, FOSHEE, SIMANK, JOHNSON AND LIEBMANN. FINANCE DEPARTMENT.
P. Request for Proposals to be advertised for a physical assessment center to
provide space, equipment, supplies, nursing and clerical support, medical supervision,
laboratory and other occupational health services necessary for the operation of
The City's Occupational Health Clinic.
APPROVED AND AUTHORIZED. BID RECEIPT DATE: APRIL 15, 2003. MOVED BY LIEBMANN,
SECONDED BY BROOKS. AYES: CORNETT, BROOKS, MCATEE, VICE MAYOR RINEHART, FOSHEE,
SIMANK, JOHNSON AND LIEBMANN. PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT.
Q. Resolution approving the Memorandum of Understanding with the Oklahoma City
Public Schools for the purpose of providing services to youth in the Metropolitan
Statistical Area and identifying Metropolitan Statistical Area Consortium Building
Grant funds to be used as authorized by the Metropolitan Statistical Area Grant Committee,
$14,600; retroactive to July 1, 2002 through March 31, 2003.
ADOPTED. MOVED BY LIEBMANN, SECONDED BY BROOKS. AYES: CORNETT, BROOKS, MCATEE,
VICE MAYOR RINEHART, FOSHEE, SIMANK, JOHNSON AND LIEBMANN. PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT.
VI. R. Sublease and Management Agreement with Facility Management Group,
Inc. for the operation and management of the Oklahoma City Zoo Amphitheater.
APPROVED. MOVED BY LIEBMANN, SECONDED BY BROOKS. AYES: CORNETT, BROOKS, MCATEE,
VICE MAYOR RINEHART, FOSHEE, SIMANK, JOHNSON AND LIEBMANN. ZOO.
VII. Concurrence Docket.
VIII. Items Requiring Separate Votes.
A. Ordinances on final hearing (emergency) recommended for approval (five of
nine affirmative votes required for approval),
1. (ABC-533) 307 NE 2nd Street, ABC-2 Alcoholic Beverage Consumption, Restaurant
With Alcohol overlaying the PUD-728 Planned Unit Development and C-4 General Business.
Ward 7.
Deferred from February 25 and March 11, 2003.
ADOPTED WITHOUT EMERGENCY. ORD. #22,178. MOVED BY JOHNSON, SECONDED BY LIEBMANN.
AYES: CORNETT, BROOKS, MCATEE, VICE MAYOR RINEHART, FOSHEE, SIMANK, JOHNSON AND
LIEBMANN. PLANNING DEPARTMENT.
2. (ABC-536) 2824 North Pennsylvania Avenue, ABC-2 Alcoholic Beverage Consumption,
Restaurant With Alcohol overlaying the C-3 Community Commercial. Ward 2.
ADOPTED WITHOUT EMERGENCY. ORD. #22,179. MOVED BY BROOKS, SECONDED BY LIEBMANN.
AYES: CORNETT, BROOKS, MCATEE, VICE MAYOR RINEHART, FOSHEE, SIMANK, JOHNSON AND
LIEBMANN. PLANNING DEPARTMENT.
B. 1. Public hearing re:
a. 1721 South Central Avenue (commercial building) Ward 7
b. 1448 East Park Place (house) Ward 7
c. 1513 East Park Place (house, garage) Ward 7
d. 1151 North Youngs Boulevard (garage) Ward 6
e. 1633 NE 11th Street (house, rear house) Ward 7
f. 1923 NW 12th Street (garage) Ward 6
g. 2303 NW 17th Street (garage) Ward 6
h. 700 NE 20th Street (rear house) Ward 7
VIII. B. 1. i. 1413 NE 25th Street (shed) Ward 7
j. 816 NE 26th Street (garage) Ward 7
k. 820 NE 26th Street (rear house) Ward 7
l. 1024 NE 27th Street (carport, rear add-on) Ward 7
m. 1028 NE 27th Street (house) Ward 7
n. 1600 NE 27th Street (house) Ward 7
o. 1824 NW 12th Street (house) Ward 6
Deferred from February 18, 2003.
p. 719 NW 31st Street (house) Ward 2
Deferred from January 14, 2003.
2. Resolution declaring the structures are dilapidated; directing said structures
to be torn down, establishing dates of March 19, 2003 and April 18, 2003 for commencement
and completion of removal by owners.
ADOPTED: B. 1. a-e, g-o. STRICKEN: B. 1. f. DEFERRED TO JULY 15, 2003: B. 1.
p. MOVED BY BROOKS, SECONDED BY SIMANK. AYES: CORNETT, BROOKS, MCATEE, VICE MAYOR
RINEHART, FOSHEE, SIMANK, JOHNSON AND LIEBMANN. NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
C. 1. Public hearing re:
a. 1408 SW Binkley Street (garage, shed) Ward 6
b. 4125 Cunningham Drive (house) Ward 4
c. 3617 South Stiles Avenue (apartment building) Ward 7
d. 622 NW 5th Street (garage) Ward 6
e. 1739 NE 18th Street (house, garage, shed) Ward 7
f. 918 NW 23rd Street (house) Ward 6
2. Resolution declaring the structures are unsecured.
ADOPTED: C. 1. b-f. STRICKEN: C. 1. a. MOVED BY SIMANK, SECONDED BY BROOKS.
AYES: CORNETT, BROOKS, MCATEE, VICE MAYOR RINEHART, FOSHEE, SIMANK, JOHNSON AND
LIEBMANN. NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
VIII. D. 1. Public hearing.
2. Resolution adopting an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2002-2003 budget for the
Fire-Fighting and Fire-Rescue Services, Facilities or Equipment Tax Fund; the General
Fund; the Solid Waste Management Cash Fund; the Oklahoma City Improvement and Special
Services Assessment Districts Fund; renaming the Expendable Trust Fund to the Special
Purpose Fund; amending the Special Purpose Fund; amending revenue and expenditure
budgets for applicable City departments; and directing filing.
PUBLIC HEARING HELD. ADOPTED: D. 2. MOVED BY BROOKS, SECONDED BY JOHNSON. AYES:
CORNETT, BROOKS, MCATEE, VICE MAYOR RINEHART, FOSHEE, SIMANK, JOHNSON AND LIEBMANN.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT.
E. Revocable permit for holding the Redbud Classic, April 6, 2003, sponsored by
Redbud Foundation, Incorporated. Ward 2.
APPROVED. MOVED BY BROOKS, SECONDED BY JOHNSON. AYES: CORNETT, BROOKS, MCATEE,
VICE MAYOR RINEHART, FOSHEE, SIMANK, JOHNSON AND LIEBMANN. PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE.
F. Resolution authorizing the Oklahoma City Fire Department to respond to fire,
rescue, emergency medical and hazardous materials incidents outside of the Oklahoma
City limits; ratifying the actions of the Fire Department in responding to such incidents
retroactive to January 1, 2001; authorizing the Fire Department to bill the recipient
for fire, rescue and hazardous materials services rendered outside the corporate
limits of The City, retroactive to July 1, 2002, unless prohibited by a mutual assistance
agreement; and authorizing the Fire Chief to negotiate contracts with areas not covered
by mutual assistance agreements in order to recover The City's cost of responding
to incidents.
ADOPTED. MOVED BY JOHNSON, SECONDED BY LIEBMANN. AYES: CORNETT, BROOKS, MCATEE,
VICE MAYOR RINEHART, FOSHEE, SIMANK, JOHNSON AND LIEBMANN. FIRE DEPARTMENT.
VIII. G. 1. Resolution authorizing the Municipal Counselor to confess judgment,
without admitting liability, for the amount of $18,700 to the plaintiffs in the action
styled Dannie Patrick Wooten and Gilda Hanley v. Billy Joe Smith and The City of
Oklahoma City, Case No. CJ-2002-7779-67, District Court of Oklahoma County.
AND/OR
2. Enter into executive session with the Municipal Counselor to discuss the litigation
and settlement negotiations, as authorized by 25 O.S. (2001) §307(B)(4).
ADOPTED: G. 1. NO ACTION TAKEN: G. 2. MOVED BY LIEBMANN, SECONDED BY FOSHEE.
AYES: CORNETT, BROOKS, MCATEE, VICE MAYOR RINEHART, FOSHEE, SIMANK, JOHNSON AND
LIEBMANN. MUNICIPAL COUNSELOR'S OFFICE.
H. 1. Joint resolution with the Oklahoma City Public Property Authority authorizing
the Municipal Counselor to institute legal proceedings on behalf of The City of Oklahoma
City and the Oklahoma City Public Property Authority against Transcontinental Insurance
Company and North American Insurance Agency, and others who may be liable.
AND/OR
2. Enter into executive session with the Municipal Counselor to discuss the above
case as authorized by 25 O.S. (2001) §307(B)(4).
ENTERED INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION: H. 2. MOVED BY LIEBMANN, SECONDED BY BROOKS. AYES:
CORNETT, BROOKS, MCATEE, VICE MAYOR RINEHART, FOSHEE, SIMANK, JOHNSON AND LIEBMANN.
ADOPTED: H. 1. MOVED BY SIMANK, SECONDED BY LIEBMANN. AYES: CORNETT, BROOKS,
VICE MAYOR RINEHART, SIMANK, AND LIEBMANN. ABSENT: MCATEE, FOSHEE AND JOHNSON.
MUNICIPAL COUNSELOR'S OFFICE.
I. Enter into executive session to discuss collective bargaining negotiations for
fiscal year 2003-04 with Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 123; International Association
of Firefighters, Local 157; and American Federation of State, County, and Municipal
Employees, Local 2406, as authorized by 25 O.S. (2001) §307(B)(2).
NO ACTION TAKEN. MUNICIPAL COUNSELOR'S OFFICE.
IX. A. 1. Claim for Approval.
a. Robert L. Kinghorn $259.99
AND/OR
2. Enter into executive session with the Municipal Counselor to discuss the above
claim as authorized by 25 O.S. (2001) §307(B)(4).
APPROVED: A. 1. a. NO ACTION TAKEN: A. 2. MOVED BY LIEBMANN, SECONDED BY JOHNSON.
AYES: CORNETT, BROOKS, MCATEE, VICE MAYOR RINEHART, FOSHEE, SIMANK, JOHNSON AND
LIEBMANN. MUNICIPAL COUNSELOR'S OFFICE.
X. Items from Council.
A. Ordinance on final hearing (emergency) recommended for approval (five of
nine affirmative votes required for approval), (PC-9736) 16000 South Western Avenue
from PUD-185 Planned Unit Development to R-1 Single Family Residential. Ward 5.
Councilman Foshee.
ADOPTED WITHOUT EMERGENCY. ORD. #22,180. MOVED BY FOSHEE, SECONDED BY LIEBMANN.
AYES: CORNETT, BROOKS, MCATEE, VICE MAYOR RINEHART, FOSHEE, SIMANK, JOHNSON AND
LIEBMANN.
B. Resolution strongly supporting the men and women of Oklahoma City and our nation
who are serving in our armed forces and thanking and commending them for their dedication
and their willingness to sacrifice their lives in the defense of freedom.
Councilman Foshee.
MOTION TO AMEND: FAILED. MOVED BY JOHNSON, SECONDED BY BROOKS. AYES: CORNETT,
BROOKS, SIMANK, AND JOHNSON. NAYS: VICE MAYOR RINEHART, MCATEE, FOSHEE AND LIEBMANN.
ADOPTED: X. B. MOVED BY FOSHEE, SECONDED BY LIEBMANN. AYES: CORNETT, BROOKS,
MCATEE, VICE MAYOR RINEHART, FOSHEE, SIMANK, AND LIEBMANN. NAY: JOHNSON.
Mr. Cornett said our prayers and thoughts are with our military today. He said almost
everyone knows someone serving in this military action.
X.
Mr. Cornett said the impending war might also impact the NCAA tournament being
hosted by the Ford Center this week. The NCAA has stated it might delay some of
the tournament games. He welcomed the eight teams coming into Oklahoma City for
the tournament. He said this is the biggest event the Ford Center has had and it
is a proving ground that someday we might be able to host the Big XII Basketball
Tournament or NCAA Regionals.
Ms. Brooks agreed with Mr. Cornett that we need to support our troops. She said
we are very lucky we live in a democracy and we are able to voice disagreements and
speak our minds.
Ms. Brooks encouraged everyone to vote today. She said voting is one way to enjoy
the freedoms we have in this country.
Mr. McAtee attended the Windsor Oaks neighborhood meeting last week. Sgt. Charles
Epperly was honored for helping organize a neighborhood patrol. Major Scully, commander
from the Hefner Division, was there and delivered some remarks. Major Scully also
accompanied Mr. McAtee to a second neighborhood meeting with the Meridian Hills Neighborhood
Association where he talked about quality of life issues and the police plans for
that area. Mr. McAtee thanked Major Scully and congratulated Sgt. Epperly.
Mr. McAtee said he incorrectly stated the meeting date for the Windsor Forest neighborhood
meeting last week. That meeting is actually being held this Thursday night at the
Forest Hill Christian Church.
Mr. Liebmann encouraged everyone to vote. He also asked everyone to support our
President and the 300,000 troops preparing to serve our country. He said he wore
his globe and anchor today with pride for all of the troops.
Ms. Johnson agreed we should continue to support all the men and women in the military.
She said they are defending our right to vote and our right to dissent.
Ms. Johnson said three members of City Council attended the National League of Cities
Conference. She congratulated Mr. Cornett, who was given the Bronze Award for his
Learning Institute participation.
X.
Ms. Johnson said last Thursday night she attended a Presidents' State of the
City meeting for Ward 7. Neighborhood Association presidents attended this meeting
to discuss the budget, public works, police protection, and crime. She thanked Jim
Couch, City Manager, for attending the meeting and felt there was a big impact because
over 40 neighborhood association presidents participated.
Ms. Simank encouraged all citizens to get out to vote today.
Ms. Simank said SMG does a great job of managing the operations of the Cox Convention
Center and the Ford Center. She expressed confidence the NCAA Tournament will be
successful.
Ms. Simank asked about the street lights which were removed from NW 10th Street,
between Western Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue, to make improvements to that area.
She said the area is really dark without those lights. The City Manager said he
would check the status of re-installing those lights.
Mr. Foshee reminded everyone about the election today. He felt voting would be a
great way to exercise our freedoms and send a message that terrorism will not slow
this country down. He said voting is a cornerstone of democracy and you're exercising
the very freedoms that our men and women are fighting for.
Mr. Foshee said he had some reports about accidents at Lake Hefner where bicyclists
have collided with inline skaters. Lake Hefner is a popular area and tends to get
crowded. He said he will talk to Wendel Whisenhut, Parks and Recreation Director,
about this problem but he mentioned it today so those who registered complaints will
know he is investigating possible solutions.
Ms. Johnson added she thinks it is important for citizens to show support for the
military men and women but she doesn't want us to forget the immediate family members
of those serving as well.
Ms. Johnson said the theme for the National League of Cities Conference was "Strong
Cities for a Strong America". A pledge was created for the conference that
talks about what America can expect from the nation's cities, towns, and villages
and what is expected from our federal partners. She brought some pamphlets back
to share with Council.
X.
Vice Mayor Rinehart recognized the Youth Councilors from Ward 4. He introduced
Robin Lebel who is a junior at Capitol Hill High School. She was President of her
sophomore class, she received the Massachusetts Scholar Leader Award, she was Student
of the Quarter for two years running and she is a National Honor Society member.
Robin said she had an opportunity to go on a police ride-along last Saturday and
it was very exciting.
Zack Taylor is a junior at Del City High School, has 50 Taekwon-do awards, scored
34 on his ACT, and is an active member of the First Southern Baptist Church. Zack
said he is serving his second term as Ward 4 youth councilor and was surprised to
find that he is still learning a great deal the second time through. He was surprised
at just how much The City always has in the works and is encouraged to see how hard
The City works for its citizens.
Ms. Brooks said she was interviewed on The City Show on Channel 20 with the Ward
2 youth councilors. She said the show will be aired later this week and encouraged
everyone to watch.
XI. Citizens to be Heard.
Craig Brown, 12121 Wentworth Place, thanked Ms. Johnson for the help she gave
him in opening his restaurant in the historic Deep Deuce jazz district. Ms. Johnson
said the building Mr. Brown is rehabilitating was the former office used by Dr. Haywood,
who founded the African American Hospital in Oklahoma City.
William Burkett, Municipal Counselor, commented on the amended taxpayer Written Demand
received by Council today.
XII. City Manager Reports.
1. March 2003 Sales and Use Tax Collections
The sales tax collections year-to-date are down $7.9 million, which is 1.26% below
the same period last year. The collections for the month were $850,000 below the
monthly target and $450,000 below last year at this time.
XIII. Adjournment.
_____________________________
Brent Rinehart
Vice Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Frances Kersey
City Clerk
_____________________________
James D. Couch
City Manager