THE CITY OF OKLAHOMA CITY

JOURNAL OF COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

JANUARY 6, 2004

 

(The agenda was posted on the Council Chamber bulletin board at 4:00 p.m. on December 31, 2003.)

 

 

    I.    Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.

 

PASTOR CLINTON MCMULLIN

IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH

 

PLEDGE LED BY COUNCILMAN MCATEE

 

 

   II.    Call to Order.  8:34 a.m.

 

ACTING VICE-MAYOR JOHNSON PRESIDING.

 

VICE-MAYOR LIEBMANN ABSENT.

 

 

  III.    From the Office of the Mayor.

 

          A.   Resolution of Commendation for the 2003 South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club Employee of the Year, Michelle Watson.

 

ADOPTED.  MOVED BY SIMANK, SECONDED BY MCATEE.  AYES:  ACTING VICE-MAYOR JOHNSON, CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, RINEHART, FOSHEE, AND SIMANK.

 

          B.   Resolution of Commendation for the 2003 South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club Firefighter of the Year, Kevin Stoneking.

 

ADOPTED.  MOVED BY SIMANK, SECONDED BY RINEHART.  AYES:  ACTING VICE-MAYOR JOHNSON, CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, RINEHART, FOSHEE, AND SIMANK.

 

          C.   Resolution of Commendation for the 2003 South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club Police Officer of the Year, Brendan Sheehan.

 

ADOPTED.  MOVED BY MCATEE, SECONDED BY RINEHART.  AYES:  ACTING VICE-MAYOR JOHNSON, CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, RINEHART, FOSHEE, AND SIMANK.

 


 

  III.    D.   Resolution of Commendation for the 2003 South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club Police Officer of the Year, Gerald McKenna.

 

ADOPTED.  MOVED BY SIMANK, SECONDED BY FOSHEE.  AYES:  ACTING VICE-MAYOR JOHNSON, CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, RINEHART, FOSHEE, AND SIMANK.

 

Received by Police Officer Kim Davis, partner to the late Inspector Gerald McKenna.

 

 

   IV.    A.   Receive Journal of Council Proceedings for December 30, 2003.

 

RECEIVED.  MOVED BY SIMANK, SECONDED BY BOWMAN.  AYES:  ACTING VICE-MAYOR JOHNSON, CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, RINEHART, FOSHEE, AND SIMANK.

 

          B.   Approve Journal of Council Proceedings for December 16, 2003.

 

APPROVED.  MOVED BY SIMANK, SECONDED BY BOWMAN.  AYES:  ACTING VICE-MAYOR JOHNSON, CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, RINEHART, FOSHEE, AND SIMANK.

 

 

    V.    Request for Uncontested Continuances.

 

 

RECESS COUNCIL MEETING.  8:54 a.m.

 

CONVENE AS OKLAHOMA CITY MUNICIPAL FACILITIES AUTHORITY.  8:54 a.m.

(Majority of a Quorum required for approval)

 

          1.   Assignments to The City of Oklahoma City and to Red Plains Professional, Inc. (from Davila Engineering Company) and Amendment No. 2 to contract for engineering services, Project DC-0046, SE 59th Street and Interpace Boulevard; Project DC-0057, SW 74th Street and Villa Avenue; and Project DC-0058, SW 53rd Street and Youngs Boulevard and SW 53rd Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, drainage improvements, fee increase of $37,900.  Wards 4 and 5.

 

ASSIGNED AND APPROVED.  MOVED BY SIMANK, SECONDED BY FOSHEE.  AYES:  ACTING VICE-MAYOR JOHNSON, CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, RINEHART, FOSHEE, AND SIMANK.  PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

 

ADJOURN OCMFA.

 

 

CONVENE AS OKLAHOMA CITY PUBLIC PROPERTY AUTHORITY.  8:54 a.m.

(Five of nine affirmative votes required for approval.)

 

          1.   Acceptance of the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003.

 

ACCEPTED.  MOVED BY SIMANK, SECONDED BY RINEHART.  AYES:  ACTING VICE-MAYOR JOHNSON, CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, RINEHART, FOSHEE, AND SIMANK.  FINANCE DEPARTMENT.

 

          2.   Final plans and specifications to be advertised for bids,      Project MC-0197, Cox Convention Center Internal Wayfinding Signage, Cox Business Service Convention Center, One Myriad Gardens.  Ward 6.

 

APPROVED AND AUTHORIZED.  BID RECEIPT DATE:  JANUARY 27, 2004.  MOVED BY SIMANK, SECONDED BY RINEHART.  AYES:  ACTING VICE-MAYOR JOHNSON, CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, RINEHART, FOSHEE, AND SIMANK.  PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

 

ADJOURN OCPPA.

 

 

CONVENE AS OKLAHOMA CITY ENVIRONMENTAL ASSISTANCE TRUST.  8:54 a.m.

(five of nine affirmative votes required for approval.)

 

          1.   Acceptance of the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003.

 

ACCEPTED.  MOVED BY SIMANK, SECONDED BY FOSHEE.  AYES:  ACTING VICE-MAYOR JOHNSON, CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, RINEHART, FOSHEE, AND SIMANK.  FINANCE DEPARTMENT.

 

          2.   Resolution declaring the intent of the Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust in connection with the issuance of bonds, notes or other financial obligations by said trust for the payment of or reimbursement of expenditures by the trust for capital projects, in the amount of $6,000,000.

 

ADOPTED.  MOVED BY SIMANK, SECONDED BY FOSHEE.  AYES:  ACTING VICE-MAYOR JOHNSON, CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, RINEHART, FOSHEE, AND SIMANK.  WATER AND WASTEWATER UTILITIES DEPARTMENT.

 

ADJOURN OCEAT.

 

 


 

RECONVENE COUNCIL MEETING.

 

   VI.    Consent Docket.

 

          A.   1.   Ratify and approve Addendum No. 1 and Price Agreements award and approval, 3M (C46149), Avery Dennison (C46150), Hall Signs, Inc. (C46151), Regal Plastics Supply Company (C46152), Vulcan Signs (C46153), traffic sign materials, January 6, 2004 through June 30, 2004. 

               2.   Resolution authorizing the open market purchase of traffic sign materials non-responsive bid items and items for which a need cannot be specified (OM4-C46154), estimated cost $105,000, January 6, 2004 through June 30, 2004.

 

RATIFIED, AWARDED AND APPROVED:  A. 1.  ADOPTED:  A. 2.  MOVED BY FOSHEE, SECONDED BY SIMANK.  AYES:  ACTING VICE-MAYOR JOHNSON, CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, RINEHART, FOSHEE, AND SIMANK.  PROCUREMENT SERVICES DIVISION.

 

          B.   Price agreements award and approval, III Star Mentoring Agency, Inc. (C47130), Effective Transitions, Inc. (C47131), Lend-A-Hand Parent-Child Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, Inc. (C47132), Urban League of Greater OKC, Inc. (C47133), Wildewood Christian Church (C47134), juvenile offender, community services, mentoring and literacy, January 6, 2004 through June 30, 2004.

 

AWARDED AND APPROVED.  MOVED BY FOSHEE, SECONDED BY SIMANK.  AYES:  ACTING VICE-MAYOR JOHNSON, CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, RINEHART, FOSHEE, AND SIMANK.  PROCUREMENT SERVICES DIVISION.

 

          C.   Final plans and specifications to be advertised for bids:

               1.   Project MC-0197, Cox Convention Center Internal Wayfinding Signage, Cox Business Service Convention Center, One Myriad Gardens.  Ward 6.

               2.   Project MP-0296, Riverfront Skate Park, Wiley Post Park, south side of the North Canadian River beginning at South Walker Avenue east to Shields Boulevard.  Wards 6 and 7.

 

APPROVED AND AUTHORIZED:  C. 1,2.  BID RECEIPT DATE: JANUARY 27, 2004.  MOVED BY FOSHEE, SECONDED BY SIMANK.  AYES:  ACTING VICE-MAYOR JOHNSON, CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, RINEHART, FOSHEE, AND SIMANK.  PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

 

 

   VI.    D.   Assignments from the Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority and to Red Plains Professional, Inc. (from Davila Engineering Company) and Amendment No. 2 to contract for engineering services, Project DC-0046, SE 59th Street and Interpace Boulevard; Project DC-0057, SW 74th Street and Villa Avenue; and Project DC-0058, SW 53rd Street and Youngs Boulevard and SW 53rd Street and Pennsylvania Avenue; drainage improvements, fee increase of $37,900.  Wards 4 and 5.

 

 

ASSIGNED AND APPROVED.  MOVED BY FOSHEE, SECONDED BY SIMANK.  AYES:  ACTING VICE-MAYOR JOHNSON, CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, RINEHART, FOSHEE, AND SIMANK.  PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

 

 

          E.   Memorandum of Understanding with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation to allow for additional funding from Sport Fish Restoration Act Funds for the “Close to Home” Fishing Program at bodies of water controlled by The City, the Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust, the Oklahoma City Riverfront Redevelopment Authority and the Oklahoma City Zoo, twenty-five percent in-kind services match required, January 6, 2004 through January 5, 2009.  Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.

 

 

APPROVED.  MOVED BY FOSHEE, SECONDED BY SIMANK.  AYES:  ACTING VICE-MAYOR JOHNSON, CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, RINEHART, FOSHEE, AND SIMANK.  PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT.

 

 

          F.   School Crossing Guard Agreements, retroactive to July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004:

               1.   Edmond Public Schools.

               2.   Independent School District No. 2 of Cleveland County.

               3.   Millwood Public Schools.

               4.   Putnam City Schools.

 

 

APPROVED:  F. 1-4.  MOVED BY FOSHEE, SECONDED BY SIMANK.  AYES:  ACTING VICE-MAYOR JOHNSON, CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, RINEHART, FOSHEE, AND SIMANK.  POLICE DEPARTMENT.

 


 

 

   VI.    G.   Resolution authorizing the Municipal Counselor to waive service of process and to confess judgment without admission of liability in the amount of $3,977.15 and all costs of the action in the Oklahoma County District Court in the claim filed by Southwestern Bell Telephone.

 

 

ADOPTED.  MOVED BY FOSHEE, SECONDED BY SIMANK.  AYES:  ACTING VICE-MAYOR JOHNSON, CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, RINEHART, FOSHEE, AND SIMANK.  MUNICIPAL COUNSELOR’S OFFICE.

 

 

          H.   Resolution expressing support for the application of Areawide Aging Agency, Inc., to the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency for affordable housing tax credits for the development of an individual living senior housing project to be located at 1515 NE 48th Street, provided such expression of support is conditioned upon City Council approval for rezoning of the subject property, the application for Affordable Housing Tax Credits to be filed by the Agency with the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency meeting all applicable “Threshold Requirements” in Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency Rules, and upon the application meeting all other applicable legal requirements.  Ward 7.

 

 

ADOPTED.  MOVED BY FOSHEE, SECONDED BY SIMANK.  AYES:  ACTING VICE-MAYOR JOHNSON, CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, RINEHART, FOSHEE, AND SIMANK.  PLANNING DEPARTMENT.

 

 

          I.   Resolution amending the 2003-04 Consolidated Plan Non-Profit Housing Pool program activity by adding census tract 105202 as an eligible project area.  Ward 7.

 

 

ADOPTED.  MOVED BY FOSHEE, SECONDED BY SIMANK.  AYES:  ACTING VICE-MAYOR JOHNSON, CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, RINEHART, FOSHEE, AND SIMANK.  PLANNING DEPARTMENT.

 


 

   VI.    J.   Resolution authorizing the Vice-Mayor to sign a letter of commitment of $540,000 in HOME Program funds as a part of a financing package to be included in an application to the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency for Affordable Housing Tax Credits for Temple Gardens, a senior housing apartment development; committing $20,000 in the form of a grant and $520,000 in the form of a loan, subject to the award of Affordable Housing Tax Credits by the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency during its January 2004 application cycle.  Ward 7.

 

ADOPTED.  MOVED BY FOSHEE, SECONDED BY SIMANK.  AYES:  ACTING VICE-MAYOR JOHNSON, CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, RINEHART, FOSHEE, AND SIMANK.  PLANNING DEPARTMENT.

 

 

       VII.    Concurrence Docket.

 

              

VIII.    Items Requiring Separate Votes.

 

     A.   Ordinance on final hearing (emergency) recommended for approval, (CE-621) closing the platted 15-foot north/south alley, west of North Walker Avenue and north of NW 9th Street, amended to close only that portion of the alley abutting property owned by St. Anthony Hospital.  Ward 6.

 

 

ADOPTED WITHOUT EMERGENCY.  ORD. #22,380.  MOVED BY SIMANK, SECONDED BY FOSHEE.  AYES:  ACTING VICE-MAYOR JOHNSON, CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, RINEHART, FOSHEE, AND SIMANK.  PLANNING DEPARTMENT.

 

 

     B.   Ordinances on final hearing:

               1.   Authorizing the installation of “One-Hour Parking, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.” signs on the south side of Culbertson Drive between Lindsay Avenue and Phillips Avenue.  Ward 7.

 

 

ADOPTED.  ORD. #22,381.  MOVED BY FOSHEE, SECONDED BY SIMANK.  AYES:  ACTING VICE-MAYOR JOHNSON, CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, RINEHART, FOSHEE, AND SIMANK.  PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

 


 

VIII.    B.   2.   Authorizing the installation of “No Parking Anytime” signs on both sides of NW 6th Street between Hudson Avenue and Harvey Avenue; east side of Hudson Avenue between NW 6th Street and NW 7th Street; west side of Harvey Avenue between NW 6th Street and NW 7th Street; and “No Parking, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday” signs on both sides of Shallowbrook Drive between SE 44th Street and Rhode Island Avenue.  Wards 4 and 6.

 

ADOPTED.  ORD. #22,382.  MOVED BY SIMANK, SECONDED BY RINEHART.  AYES:  ACTING VICE-MAYOR JOHNSON, CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, RINEHART, FOSHEE, AND SIMANK.  PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

 

               3.   Authorizing the installation of “Do Not Enter, 8:15 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday” signs for southbound traffic on Hudson Avenue from SW 66th Street to dead-end south of SW 66th Street.  Ward 5.

 

ADOPTED.  ORD. #22,383.  MOVED BY FOSHEE, SECONDED BY SIMANK.  AYES:  ACTING VICE-MAYOR JOHNSON, CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, RINEHART, FOSHEE, AND SIMANK.  PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

 

               C.   1.   Public hearing re:

                          a.   1623 South Central Avenue (house, garage, fence)  Ward 7

                     b.   2009 South Central Avenue (house)  Ward 7

                     c.   5316 Harris Street (house)  Ward 7

                          d.   1628 NW 15th Street (rear house)  Ward 6

                          e.   721 SE 28th Street (house)  Ward 7

                          f.   2915 SE 30th Street (house with attached carport, garage, rear garage, east shed, west shed)  Ward 7

                          g.   2520 NW 39th Terrace (house, mobile home)  Ward 2

                     2.   Resolution declaring the structures are dilapidated; directing said structures to be torn down, establishing dates of January 7, 2004 and February 6, 2004 for commencement and completion of removal by owners.

 

ADOPTED:  C. 1. a-g.  MOVED BY SIMANK, SECONDED BY FOSHEE.  AYES:  ACTING VICE-MAYOR JOHNSON, CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, RINEHART, FOSHEE, AND SIMANK.  NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

 


 

VIII.    D.   1.   Public hearing re:

                          a.   832 East Drive (apartment building)  Ward 7

                          b.   1152 North McKinley Avenue (house)  Ward 6

                          c.   1001 North Quapah Avenue aka 3745 NW 9th Street (west house)  Ward 3

                          d.   2800 South St. Clair Street (garage)  Ward 6

                          e.   1103 Windemere Avenue (house)  Ward 7

                          f.   622 NW 5th Street (apartment building, garage)  Ward 6

                          g.   1915 NW 11th Street (house)  Ward 6

                          h.   526 SE 21st Street (house)  Ward 7

                          i.   1909 NW 23rd Street (duplex, garage)  Ward 2

                          j.   618 NW 26th Street (house, garage)  Ward 2

                          k.   2808 NW 47th Street (shed with attached carport)  Ward 2

                          l.   1130 NW 88th Street (house, shed)  Ward 2

                          m.   1000 South McKinley Avenue (commercial building)  Ward 6

                               Deferred from November 4, 2003 and December 2, 2003.

                     2.   Resolution declaring the structures are unsecured.

         

ADOPTED AS AMENDED:  D. 1. a,e-i.  MOVED BY FOSHEE, SECONDED BY SIMANK.  STRICKEN:  D. 1. b-d, j-l.  DEFERRED TO FEBRUARY 3, 2004:  D. 1. m.  AYES:  ACTING VICE-MAYOR JOHNSON, CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, RINEHART, FOSHEE, AND SIMANK.  NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

 

               E.   Resolution adopting the Records Retention Manual of The City of Oklahoma City pursuant to 11 O.S. §§ 22-131.

 

ADOPTED.  MOVED BY SIMANK, SECONDED BY FOSHEE.  AYES:  ACTING VICE-MAYOR JOHNSON, CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, RINEHART, FOSHEE, AND SIMANK.  CITY CLERK’S OFFICE.

 

               F.   1.   Resolution approving the request for salary continuation for Sergeant Robert Douglas while he continues to require rehabilitation for an on-duty injury which occurred on July 27, 2003, for up to an additional six-months, as permitted by State law; and providing an effective date of January 24, 2004.

 

ADOPTED.  MOVED BY SIMANK, SECONDED BY MCATEE.  AYES:  ACTING VICE-MAYOR JOHNSON, CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, RINEHART, AND SIMANK.  ABSENT:  FOSHEE.  POLICE DEPARTMENT.

                     AND/OR


 

      VIII.    F.   2.   Enter into Executive Session to discuss confidential medical information related to the application, as authorized by 25 O.S. (2001) § 307(B)(7).

 

ENTERED INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION.  MOVED BY SIMANK, SECONDED BY RINEHART.  AYES:  ACTING VICE-MAYOR JOHNSON, CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, RINEHART, FOSHEE, AND SIMANK.  POLICE DEPARTMENT.

 

               G.   1.   Resolution authorizing Captain Sharon Pollman to use 544 hours of unused leave for salary continuation while she continues to require rehabilitation for an on-duty injury, as permitted by State law; and providing an effective date retroactive to November 26, 2003.

                     AND/OR

                     2.   Enter into Executive Session to discuss confidential medical information related to the application, as authorized by 25 O.S. (2001) § 307(B)(7).

 

ADOPTED:  G. 1.  NO ACTION TAKEN:  G. 2.  MOVED BY SIMANK, SECONDED BY FOSHEE.  AYES:  ACTING VICE-MAYOR JOHNSON, CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, RINEHART, FOSHEE, AND SIMANK.  POLICE DEPARTMENT.

 

               H.   Release and Settlement in the case styled Kirby-Smith Machinery, Inc. an Oklahoma Corporation, Plaintiff vs. The City of Oklahoma City; Zerby Interests, LLC, an Oklahoma limited liability company and Westgate Market Place Developers II, LLC, an Oklahoma limited liability company Defendant; Zerby Interests, LLC, an Oklahoma limited liability company, Cross-Claim Plaintiff vs. The City of Oklahoma City, an Oklahoma municipal corporation, Cross-Claim Defendant, Case No. CJ-2000-1254-66.

 

APPROVED.  MOVED BY FOSHEE, SECONDED BY SIMANK.  AYES:  ACTING VICE-MAYOR JOHNSON, CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, RINEHART, FOSHEE, AND SIMANK.  MUNICIPAL COUNSELOR’S OFFICE.

 

               I.   1.   Claims recommended for denial:

                     a.   Jordan Flaniken  $492.48

                     b.   Scott D. Statton  $523.09

               AND/OR


 

VIII.    I.   2.   Enter into executive session with the Municipal Counselor to discuss the above claims as authorized by 25 O.S. (2001) §307(B)(4).

 

DENIED AS RECOMMENDED:  I. 1. a,b.  NO ACTION TAKEN:  I. 2.  MOVED BY FOSHEE, SECONDED BY SIMANK.  AYES:  ACTING VICE-MAYOR JOHNSON, CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, RINEHART, FOSHEE, AND SIMANK.  MUNICIPAL COUNSELOR’S OFFICE.

 

 

   IX.    A.   1.   Claim for Approval,

                     Southwestern Bell Telephone  $146.07

               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. 1,2.  MOVED BY FOSHEE, SECONDED BY SIMANK.  AYES:  ACTING VICE-MAYOR JOHNSON, CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, RINEHART, FOSHEE, AND SIMANK.  MUNICIPAL COUNSELOR’S OFFICE.

 

 

    X.    Items from Council.

 

Mr. Cornett said he was pleased with the success of the downtown ice skating rink.  He said the newspaper reported there were 19,000 skaters in December.  He asked if The City plans to have the skating rink again next year.

 

Mr. Couch said Downtown OKC was responsible for managing the skating rink and would be deciding the fate of the rink.  He thought Downtown OKC was pleased with the turnout, however.

 

Mr. McAtee congratulated the All Sports Association for the outstanding All-College Basketball Classic event.  He was pleased with the turnout considering many sports fans were out of town attending the bowl games.  He said the All-College Classic was the oldest basketball tournament in the United States.

 

Mr. McAtee congratulated Acting Vice-Mayor Johnson on her participation in the “Run For Your Life” event on New Years Day.  He thought the event was well attended and provided an opportunity to raise funds for organ donation.

 


 

    X.

 

Mr. Rinehart thanked Wendel Whisenhunt and his staff in the Parks and Recreation Department for helping with a partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation for the “Close to Home” fishing program.  He thought the partnership would be very beneficial to all who use Draper Lake and other local lakes.

 

Mr. Rinehart said he encountered some unpleasant smells emanating from the horse carriages stationed in front of Spaghetti Warehouse on a recent trip to Bricktown.  He asked if The City had any laws regarding the horse-drawn carriages in Bricktown.

 

Acting Vice-Mayor Johnson said she had mentioned the bad smell a while back and some thought the smell came from rancid cooking grease.

 

Mr. Couch said he would find out if there were any laws or guidelines.

 

Mr. Foshee said Oklahomans should be proud of their college football teams and appreciative of the fine young athletes and the great season they had.  He thought they did a great job of representing our City while they were participating in the bowl games.

 

Mr. Foshee said while he was in New Orleans attending the Sugar Bowl, he met with the Louisiana Lieutenant Governor and New Orleans based SMG employees.  He said there was lots of interest in the improvements that have been made to Bricktown and how The City financed those improvements.  Mr. Foshee thought Bricktown was much more family-friendly than Bourbon Street.

 

Ms. Simank said she recently learned Councilman McAtee’s brother-in-law was one of the original “Pistol Petes” for Oklahoma State University back in the 1960s.

 

Acting Vice-Mayor Johnson encouraged everyone to go to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art to see the George Washington Exhibit.  She said it is more than just a painting, because it has an interactive component to the exhibit.  She said the George Washington Exhibit would be at the Museum through April 11th.

 

Acting Vice-Mayor Johnson congratulated both state college football teams on their wonderful seasons.  She said anytime a team makes it to one of these prestigious bowl games it is a good thing and something to take pride in.

 

 

   XI.    Citizens to be Heard.

 

Acting Vice-Mayor Johnson recognized three children in the audience.  Ian Baker was attending the meeting to satisfy one requirement for earning a Boy Scout Merit Badge.  His sisters, Amelia, a Junior scout, and Maddie, a Brownie scout, were also introduced to the Council.

 

 

  XII.    City Manager Reports.

 

          A.   December 2003 Sales and Use Tax Collections

 

Sales Tax collections were $784,000 over target for the month and $1.6 million over target for the year-to-date.  The Use Tax is down for the year about $300,000, which computes to an overall net of $1.3 million over target for the year-to-date.  He said the news is good but tempered because there are some one-time revenues reported in that number as stated last month.  He said last year at this time we were down about $5-6 million.

 

Mr. Couch said a budget workshop would be held on January 27, 2004 to kick off the budget season.  He said The City is looking at a 2.5% cut across departments compared to an 11% cut last year to general fund departments and two percent cut to public safety departments.

 

          B.   Parks and Recreation Department Pool Presentation

 

Wendel Whisenhunt, Parks and Recreation Department Director, gave a Swimming Pool Report for 2003.  Mr. Whisenhunt recommended the Council hire an aquatic consultant.

 

 

XIII.               Adjournment.  10:50 a.m.

 

 

 

____________________________

Willa Johnson

Acting Vice-Mayor

 

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