THE CITY OF OKLAHOMA CITY
JOURNAL OF COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 22, 2005
(The agenda was posted on the Council Chamber bulletin board at 5:09 p.m. on February 17, 2005.)
I. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
II. Call to Order 8:40 a.m.
MAYOR MICK CORNETT PRESIDING.
STEVEN DOBBS AND GARY MARRS ABSENT.
III. From the Office of the Mayor.
A. Appointment of Randy Floyd to the Historical Preservation Commission.
DEFERRED TO MARCH 8, 2005. MOVED BY JOHNSON, SECONDED BY MCATEE. AYES: BOWMAN, MCATEE, WHITE, FOSHEE, SIMANK AND JOHNSON. NAYS: MAYOR CORNETT.
B. Appointment of Jackie Ames to the Board of Trustees for the Employee Retirement System – Council Appointee.
CONFIRMED. MOVED BY JOHNSON, SECONDED BY MCATEE. AYES: MAYOR CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, WHITE, FOSHEE, SIMANK AND JOHNSON.
IV. A. Receive Journal of Council Proceedings for February 15, 2005.
RECEIVED. MOVED BY JOHNSON, SECONDED BY WHITE. AYES: MAYOR CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, WHITE, FOSHEE, SIMANK AND JOHNSON.
B. Approve Journal of Council Proceedings for February 8, 2005.
V. Request for Uncontested Continuances.
VIII. A. 3 VIII. A. 5 VIII. E. 1&2
3-1-05 3-1-05 4-26-05
RECESSED COUNCIL MEETING
CONVENED AS OKLAHOMA CITY MUNICIPAL FACILITIES AUTHORITY 8:47 a.m.
(Majority of a Quorum required for approval)
1. Change Order No. 2, Project MP-0296, Riverfront Skate Park, Wiley Post Park, south side of the Oklahoma River between South Walker Avenue east to Shields Boulevard, increase of $11,858. Wards 6 and 7.
ADJOURNED OCMFA
CONVENED AS OKLAHOMA CITY ENVIRONMENTAL ASSISTANCE TRUST 8:47 a.m.
(Five affirmative votes required for approval.)
1. Specifications to be advertised for bids, (B59002) 95/98-gallon universal wheeled refuse carts, multi-year pricing agreement through March 31, 2010.
ADJOURNED OCEAT
RECONVENED COUNCIL MEETING
VI. Consent Docket.
A. Resolution authorizing the purchase of hazardous material removal and emergency response services from State Contract (S5-SW40092), retroactive to January 1, 2005 through March 31, 2005.
B. Resolution approving an agreement with BMI Systems for lease and maintenance of two Canon ImageRunner 8500 digital copiers, 12 Cannon ImageRunner 5000 digital copiers, and two ImageRunner 2270 digital copiers (C54070), February 22, 2005 through June 30, 2005.
C. Resolution accepting the dedications contained in the final plat:
1. Westmark Office Park, north of Reno Avenue and east of Mustang Road. Ward 3.
2. Englewood Manor, south of Memorial Road and west of Bryant Avenue. Ward 7.
3. Holly Brooke Estates, Section 3, north of SE 59th Street and west of Sooner Road. Ward 4.
D. Resolution accepting the subdivision bond and dedications contained in the final plat of The Legacy, Phase II, south of SW 134th Street and west of May Avenue. Ward 5.
VI. E. 1. Resolution accepting the irrevocable letter of credit and dedications contained in the final plat of Valencia Addition, Section 2, north of NW 178th Street and west of Pennsylvania Avenue. Ward 8.
2. Acceptance of a street and utility easement (ED-181), Andalucia Drive, west of Pennsylvania Avenue and north of NW 178th Street. Ward 8.
F. Resolution accepting the subdivision bond and dedications contained in the final plat of Bergamo and acceptance of a sanitary sewer easement, north of SW 119th Street and west of Pennsylvania Avenue. Ward 5.
G. Resolution certifying The City of Oklahoma City Economic Development Administration Revolving Loan Fund Plan is consistent with and supportive of the City’s economic adjustment strategy and the revolving loan fund is being operated in accordance with the policies and procedures contained in the Revolving Loan Fund Plan, and the loan portfolio meets the standards contained therein. Wards 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.
H. Resolution approving a $67,500 Murrah District Economic Development Loan from the Supplemental Community Development Block Grant funds for Brian Fitzsimmons and Yeng Dung T. Nguyen for an office/residence, Murrah recovery area, 719 North Francis Avenue. Ward 6.
VI. I. Revised Preliminary Report, Storm Sewer Channel Improvements, Project DC-0183, NE 52nd Street, east of Rhode Island, north of Deep Fork Creek; and authorization to prepare plans and specifications. Ward 7.
J. Amendment No. 1, Project MP-0322, Boat Ramp Construction on Oklahoma River, North bank of the Oklahoma River near Durland Avenue and SE 6th Street, increase of $33,287.07. Ward 7.
K. Amendment No. 3 and Change Order No. 3, Project PC-0205, Street Widening and/or Reconstruction, SW 29th Street, between Meridian and Portland Avenues, increase of $36,968.50. Wards 3 and 6.
L. Change Order No. 2 with the Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority, Project MP-0296, Riverfront Skate Park, Wiley Post Park, south side of the Oklahoma River between South Walker Avenue east to Shields Boulevard, increase of $11,858. Wards 6 and 7.
VI. M. Amendment No. 1 to Contract for Engineering Services, Project PC-0231, Streetscape Improvements, NW 10th Street from Classen Boulevard to Broadway Avenue; Project PC-0232, Classen Drive from NW 10th Street to NW 13th Street; Project PC-0233, Walker Avenue from Robert S. Kerr Avenue to NW 13th Street, fee increase of $34,503. Wards 6 and 7.
N. Final acceptance, Project PC-0224, street widening and traffic improvements, NW 164th Street from the Edmond City limits to Western Avenue; and placing maintenance bond into effect. Ward 8.
O. Acceptance of privately constructed projects; and placing maintenance bonds into effect as of the final inspection dates:
1. Six sanitary sewer projects. Wards 3, 4, 5, and 8.
2. One paving and four paving and drainage projects. Wards 3, 4, 5, and 8.
3. Eight sanitary sewer projects. Wards 3, 5, 7, and 8.
P. Acceptance of one permanent water and sewer easement, one permanent sanitary sewer easement and two permanent sewer line easements. Ward 3, 5, and 7.
VI. Q. Resolution approving Maintenance Agreement with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for Federal Aid Project No. IMG-44-1(074)123TR, State Job Piece No. 20550(04), realignment of the eastbound NW 39th Street ramp to southbound I-44 and traffic Signal modification at the intersection of NW 36th Street. Wards 1 and 2.
R. Resolution approving Maintenance Agreement with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for Federal Aid Project No. IMY-0040-4(332)144, State Job Piece No. 08400(04), highway lighting and sign lighting along I-40 from MacArthur Boulevard east to the junction of I-44. Wards 3 and 6.
S. Resolution setting a public hearing date of March 1, 2005, for a proposed amendment to the fiscal year 2004-2005 budget for the General Fund; the Internal Service Fund; the Capital Improvement Projects Fund; the Debt Service Fund; the Oklahoma City Improvement and Special Services Assessment Districts Fund; and creating the Hotel Motel Tax Special Revenue Funds.
STRICKEN. FINANCE DEPARTMENT.
T. Resolution relating to the proceeds of “General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2002”; approving an escrow agreement securing certain outstanding bonds of the City; and providing for the expenditure of funds.
ADOPTED. MOVED BY JOHNSON, SECONDED BY SIMANK. AYES: MAYOR CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, WHITE, FOSHEE, SIMANK AND JOHNSON. FINANCE DEPARTMENT.
VI. U. Ordinance to be introduced and set for final hearing March 1, 2005, providing for the issuance of $47,000,000 City of Oklahoma City, General Obligation Bonds, Series 2005, authorized at an election duly called and held for such purpose; prescribing the form of the bonds; prescribing redemption provisions; providing for registration thereof; appointing a paying agent-registrar for the issue; providing for the levy of an annual tax for payment of principal and interest on the bonds; fixing other details of the issue; and approving a continuing disclosure agreement.
INTRODUCED AND SET FOR FINAL HEARING MARCH 1, 2005. MOVED BY JOHNSON, SECONDED BY SIMANK. AYES: MAYOR CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, WHITE, FOSHEE, SIMANK AND JOHNSON. FINANCE DEPARTMENT.
V. Request for Proposals to be advertised, Underwriter Services for the General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2005.
APPROVED. BID RECEIPT DATE: MARCH 1, 2005. MOVED BY JOHNSON, SECONDED BY SIMANK. AYES: MAYOR CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, WHITE, FOSHEE, SIMANK AND JOHNSON. FINANCE DEPARTMENT.
W. Amended Agreement with the Board of County Commissioners of Oklahoma County and the Oklahoma City-County Board of Health providing for the operation of the Oklahoma City-County Health Department, retroactive to January 15, 2005.
APPROVED. MOVED BY JOHNSON, SECONDED BY SIMANK. AYES: MAYOR CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, WHITE, FOSHEE, SIMANK AND JOHNSON. MUNICIPAL COUNSELOR'S OFFICE.
VII. Concurrence Docket.
A. Concurrence with the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area Public Schools Trust in adopting Resolution ratifying and approving Addenda Nos. 1 and 2, awarding contract to J.L. Walker Construction, Inc., Project ES-0002, Wheeler Elementary School New Addition – Phase II, 501 SE 25th Street, $3,257,667; and approving contract and bonds. Ward 7.
CONCURRED. MOVED BY JOHNSON, SECONDED BY SIMANK. AYES: MAYOR CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, WHITE, FOSHEE, SIMANK AND JOHNSON. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
VII. B. Concurrence with the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area Public Schools Trust in approving application of funding:
1. Putnam City School District, computers and hardware, (18 elementary schools), $999,908. Wards 1, 2, 3, 8, Bethany and Warr Acres.
2. Crooked Oak Public School District, security guard building, main campus, 1901 SE 15th Street, $5,056. Ward 7.
CONCURRED. B. 1-2. MOVED BY JOHNSON, SECONDED BY SIMANK. AYES: MAYOR CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, WHITE, FOSHEE, SIMANK AND JOHNSON. MAPS OFFICE.
VIII. Items Requiring Separate Votes.
A. Ordinances on final hearing (emergency) recommended for approval (five affirmative votes required for approval):
1. (ABC-579) ABC-3 Alcoholic Beverage Consumption, Club With Alcohol overlaying I-2 Moderate Industrial, 311 South Klein Avenue. Ward 6.
ADOPTED WITHOUT EMERGENCY. ORD. #22,660. MOVED BY SIMANK, SECONDED BY JOHNSON. AYES: MAYOR CORNETT, MCATEE, WHITE, FOSHEE, SIMANK AND JOHNSON. ABSENT: BOWMAN. PLANNING DEPARTMENT.
2. (PC-9925) 2901 North Bryant Avenue from I-2 Moderate Industrial to O-2 General Office. Ward 7.
ADOPTED WITHOUT EMERGENCY. ORD. #22,661. MOVED BY JOHNSON, SECONDED BY SIMANK. AYES: MAYOR CORNETT, MCATEE, WHITE, FOSHEE, SIMANK AND JOHNSON. ABSENT: BOWMAN. PLANNING DEPARTMENT.
3. (PUD-1059) 9333 NW 122nd Street from AA Agricultural to PUD-1059 Planned Unit Development. Ward 8.
Easement to be accepted.
Planning Commission approval subject to the Summary of Staff Evaluation.
Request for deferral to March 1, 2005.
DEFERRED TO MARCH 1, 2005. PLANNING DEPARTMENT.
VIII. A. 4. (PUD-1061) 133 SW 134th Street from R-1 Single Family Residential to PUD-1061 Planned Unit Development. Ward 5.
Easement to be accepted.
ADOPTED WITHOUT EMERGENCY. ORD. #22,662. EASEMENT ACCEPTED. MOVED BY FOSHEE, SECONDED BY WHITE. AYES: MAYOR CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, WHITE, FOSHEE, SIMANK AND JOHNSON. PLANNING DEPARTMENT.
5. (SPUD-346) 14001 North Harvey Avenue from PUD-945 Planned Unit Development to SPUD-346 Simplified Planned Unit Development. Ward 8.
Request for deferral to March 1, 2005.
DEFERRED TO MARCH 1, 2005. PLANNING DEPARTMENT.
6. (SPUD-350) 1100 North Ann Arbor Avenue from C-3 Community Commercial to SPUD-350 Simplified Planned Unit Development. Ward 3.
Planning Commission approval subject to the Summary of Staff Evaluation.
ADOPTED WITHOUT EMERGENCY. ORD. #22,663. SUBJECT TO SUMMARY OF STAFF EVALUATION. MOVED BY MCATEE, SECONDED BY WHITE. AYES: MAYOR CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, WHITE, FOSHEE AND JOHNSON. ABSENT: SIMANK. PLANNING DEPARTMENT.
7. (SPUD-351) 3411 South Bryant Avenue from R-1 Single Family Residential to SPUD-351 Simplified Planned Unit Development. Ward 7.
ADOPTED WITHOUT EMERGENCY. ORD. #22,664. MOVED BY JOHNSON, SECONDED BY FOSHEE. AYES: MAYOR CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, WHITE, FOSHEE AND JOHNSON. ABSENT: SIMANK. PLANNING DEPARTMENT.
B. Ordinance on final hearing (emergency) recommended for approval (SP-363) Special Permit to operate a Mining and Processing: Minerals and Raw Materials use (sand, soil, and clay excavation) in the I-2 Moderate Industrial District, 13900 South MacArthur Boulevard. Ward 3.
Planning Commission approval subject to the Summary of Staff Evaluation.
ADOPTED WITHOUT EMERGENCY. ORD. #22,665. SUBJECT TO SUMMARY OF STAFF EVALUATION. MOVED BY MCATEE, SECONDED BY BOWMAN. AYES: MAYOR CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, WHITE, FOSHEE AND JOHNSON. ABSENT: SIMANK. PLANNING DEPARTMENT.
VIII. C. 1. Public hearing regarding dilapidated structures:
a. 1147 North Douglas Avenue (house) Ward 6
b. 6701 Greenway Drive (house) Ward 1
c. 1712 North Highland Drive (house) Ward 7
d. 2105 South Laird Avenue (fence, house, and retaining wall) Ward 7
e. 1521 East Madison Street (rear house and shed) Ward 7
f. 2426 North Martin Luther King Avenue (commercial building) Ward 7
g. 1800 East Park Place (garage and house) Ward 7
h. 1901 Vine Street (shed) Ward 7
i. 1924 Vine Street (house) Ward 7
j. 1545 NW 4th Street (commercial building) Ward 6
k. 617 SW 5th Street (house) Ward 6
l. 1618 NE 8th Street (house) Ward 7
m. 2125 SW 9th Street aka 2127 SW 9th Street (shed) Ward 6
n. 1804 NE 11th Street (house) Ward 7
o. 2432 NW 13th Street (garage) Ward 6
p. 2521 NE 13th Street (masonry brick and shed) Ward 7
q. 328 SE 15th Street (fence and house) Ward 7
r. 2905 SW 15th Street (shed) Ward 6
s. 1321 NW 16th Street (garage) Ward 6
t. 1621 NW 16th Street (garage and house) Ward 6
u. 4208 NE 16th Terrace (house) Ward 7
v. 4208 NE 16th Terrace (house) Ward 7
w. 1812 NW 17th Street (garage) Ward 6
x. 2018 NW 17th Street (garage) Ward 6
y. 409 SE 18th Street (house) Ward 7
z. 4208 NE 18th Street (cement block wall and house) Ward 7
aa. 1501 NE 24th Street (house) Ward 7
bb. 1512 NE 24th Street (garage) Ward 7
cc. 1345 SW 25th Street (house) Ward 6
dd. 1206 NW 26th Street (house) Ward 2
VIII. C. 2. Resolution declaring the structures are dilapidated; directing said structures to be torn down, establishing dates of February 23, 2005 and March 25, 2005 for commencement and completion of removal by owners.
ADOPTED AS AMENDED. C. 1. a-f, h-k, n-r, t-v, x-z and bb-dd. STRICKEN: C. 1. m. DEFERRED TO MARCH 8, 2005: C. 1. l. DEFERRED TO APRIL 26, 2005: C. 1. s, w, aa. MOVED BY JOHNSON, SECONDED BY FOSHEE. AYES: MAYOR CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, WHITE, FOSHEE, SIMANK AND JOHNSON. MOTION TO RECONSIDER: C. 1. g. MOVED BY JOHNSON, SECONDED BY SIMANK. AYES: MAYOR CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, WHITE, SIMANK AND JOHNSON. MOTION TO RESCIND: C. 1. g. MOVED BY JOHNSON, SECONDED BY SIMANK. AYES: MAYOR CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, WHITE, SIMANK AND JOHNSON. DEFERRED TO MARCH 22, 2005: C. 1. g. NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
D. 1. Public hearing regarding unsecured structures:
a. 6108 South Drexel Avenue (house) Ward 5
b. 4701 Love Drive (duplex) Ward 4
c. 4703 Love Drive (duplex) Ward 4
d. 4709 Love Drive (shed) Ward 4
e. 8705 MacArthur Terrace (pool) Ward 1
f. 2304 Miramar Boulevard (house) Ward 7
g. 1801 NW 13th Street (garage) Ward 6
h. 2432 NW 13th Street (apartment building and rear house)
i. 1321 NW 16th Street (apartment)
j. 414 SE 18th Street (house) Ward 7
k. 2500 NE 18th Street (south house) Ward 7
l. 221 SE 25th Street aka 219 SE 25th Street (east house and rear apartment) Ward 7
m. 801 NE 26th Street (house) Ward 7
n. 116 NW 27th Street (garage and house) Ward 7
o. 120 NW 27th Street (house) Ward 7
p. 112 NE 28th Street (house) Ward 7
q. 30 SE 31st Street (house) Ward 7
r. 1215 NE 34th Street (commercial building and shed) Ward 7
s. 1116 SW 40th Street (house) Ward 6
t. 1632 NE 46th Street (house) Ward 7
u. 908 NW 90th Street (garage and house) Ward 2
VIII. D. 2. Resolution declaring the structures are unsecured.
ADOPTED AS AMENDED. D. 1. a-c, e, g-j, m-n, p-r, t. STRICKEN: D. 1. d, f, k-l, o, s, u. MOVED BY SIMANK, SECONDED BY JOHNSON. AYES: MAYOR CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, WHITE, FOSHEE, SIMANK AND JOHNSON. NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
E. 1. Public hearing.
2. Resolution creating Street Improvement Assessment District #1618, Booker between South Harrah Road and Main Street and on Main Street from Gilbert to one block north of Teddy in Newalla Original Addition; pursuant to 11 O.S. (2001) §39-101, et seq; acknowledging that a public hearing has been held; determining that the improvements requested by the Petitioner are advisable; directing the City Manager to take all necessary steps to cause the improvements to be constructed; including the competitive bidding of a contract for the construction of such improvements; and directing the City Manager to present such contract to the Council for consideration. Ward 4.
Deferred from September 23, 2003, March 30,August 3, 2004 and February 1, 2005.
Request for deferral to April 26, 2005.
DEFERRED TO APRIL 26, 2005. MUNICIPAL COUNSELOR’S OFFICE.
F. Resolution approving the request for salary continuation for Fire Lieutenant Stephen R. Spencer while he continues to require rehabilitation for an on-duty injury, for up to an additional six months, as permitted by State law, providing for an effective date of March 1, 2005.
ADOPTED. MOVED BY JOHNSON, SECONDED BY SIMANK. AYES: MAYOR CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, WHITE, FOSHEE, SIMANK AND JOHNSON. FIRE DEPARTMENT.
G. Revocable permit for holding the Crazy ‘Freakin’ Bikers Series, May 3-17, 2005, sponsored by Hoffman Enterprises, Inc., Oklahoma City Skate Park, east side of Wiley Post Park, 1700 South Robinson Avenue. Ward 7.
APPROVED. MOVED BY JOHNSON, SECONDED BY SIMANK. AYES: MAYOR CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, WHITE, FOSHEE, SIMANK AND JOHNSON. PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT.
VIII. H. 1. Claims recommended for denial:
a. Liberty Insurance Corporation Unknown Amount
b. Albert Smith $40
c. Unitrin Specialty $200
AND/OR
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. H. 1. a, c. STRICKEN: H. 1. b. NO ACTION TAKEN H. 2. MOVED BY JOHNSON, SECONDED BY SIMANK. AYES: MAYOR CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, WHITE, FOSHEE, SIMANK AND JOHNSON. MUNICIPAL COUNSELOR'S OFFICE.
IX. A. 1. Claims for Approval,
a. SBC Communications $546.37
b. Barbara Stewart $96
AND/OR
2. Enter into executive session with the Municipal Counselor to discuss the above claims as authorized by 25 O.S. (2001) §307(B)(4).
APPROVED. A. 1. a-b. NO ACTION TAKEN: A. 2. MOVED BY JOHNSON, SECONDED BY SIMANK. AYES: MAYOR CORNETT, BOWMAN, MCATEE, WHITE, FOSHEE, SIMANK AND JOHNSON. MUNCIPAL COUNSELOR'S OFFICE.
X. Items from Council.
Councilman Bowman stated the Police Department provided him with statistics from July, August and September 2004 regarding gasoline drive-offs. In those three months, there was a total of 3580 felony cases, with only four convictions. There is legislation that just passed committee that will give an either/or option for retail businesses to either require prepaying of gasoline or the ability to file misdemeanor civil offense charges. He believes there will be growing support for this bill, based on comments from the Police Chief of Warr Acres and recent news articles that raised concerns regarding the growing number of drive-offs in that community. It is not only a matter of Police time in the field, but administrative personnel answering phone calls.
Councilman Foshee concurred with Councilman Bowman stating that something needs to be done about drive-offs. Statistics indicate the incidents are occurring in the same areas over and over again, suggesting that storeowners need to take responsibility by requiring patrons to pay inside before turning on the gas pump. Councilman Foshee stated there are four areas in Ward 5 where a lot of drive-offs occur and he has talked to some of the storeowners. Councilman Bowman noted that business owners don’t want to require prepay unless other businesses agree to require prepay. Councilman Foshee said too many officers are being taken off the street for just a few specific locations where drive-offs occur. Councilwoman Johnson stated there are several metro gas stations that require prepaying of gasoline. Councilman Bowman noted the new bill would not require businesses to prepay, but would change the offense to a civil matter, not a criminal matter. Councilman White noted the issue is very similar to false alarms, where residents and businesses pay a fine for excessive police calls.
Councilman McAtee reported on four neighborhood association meetings. Last Tuesday night, the Windsor Oaks residents had a strategic planning session for their neighborhood conducted by Georgie Rasco, Neighborhood Alliance. He encouraged neighborhood officers to contact Georgie regarding the program. He thanked patrol personnel from Windsor Forest for hosting Councilman and Mrs. McAtee on Saturday night. He stated patrols are an excellent way for neighborhoods to curtail crime. Windsor Forest also had a get together to celebrate their successes. The Musgrave Pennington Neighborhood Association is meeting tonight and the Hilldale Neighborhood Association will be meeting on Thursday. He encouraged residents to support their neighborhood associations and fellowship with their neighbors in order to bond together.
Councilman White commented on the report he received from Neighborhood Services concerning proactive code enforcement. He has several neighborhoods at risk within Ward 4, one of them being the Oakcliff Neighborhood. The number of offenses in Oakcliff rose from 1 to 48 offenses, based on proactive enforcement. Councilman White stated this is the only way to prevent neighborhood deterioration. He is pleased to see the success of proactive code enforcement.
Councilman White commented on the good food at Pulliam’s BBQ and inquired if the J. Gordon Pulliam listed in a previous agenda item was related.
Councilman Foshee reported to constituents of Ward 5, that several box stores have been leased. One of the first retailers to take over a retail box space was Academy Sports. Mr. Odom took over the property at 119th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, which will be a shopping center. The old WalMart location at SW 74th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue will be a complex of retail stores. The City has been working on the turnaround at SW 74th Street and Walker Street. If a large retailer is willing to take over a box store, the City needs to ensure that traffic does not negatively impact retail businesses. He announced south Oklahoma City, Ward 5, is growing and doing well.
X.
Councilwoman Simank thanked staff for working on the street project in Ward 2 near her church. The construction blocked all the driveways to the parking lot of her church. Sunday access was open to the parking lot. She thanked Councilman Bowman for his assistance regarding this issue.
Councilwoman Simank announced the Riverfront Redevelopment Trust Meeting is at 1:00 p.m., today.
Councilwoman Simank invited members of the public that are interested in SW 44th Street to a Street Planning Session at Integris Hospital Medical Center, Room 110 at 6:00 p.m. tonight.
Councilman Foshee received phone calls from Brookwood Neighborhood Association, questioning the street scheduling. He asked Mr. Brum to contact Mr. Pappy. He also reported, Walker Street between SW 89th to 104th Streets is in bad disrepair. He contacted Mr. Brum and is hopeful repairs will be made soon.
Councilwoman Johnson thanked Irene Howard for the gorgeous African dress she was wearing in recognition of African American History Month. Yesterday marked the fortieth anniversary of the death of Malcolm X, who dedicated his life to the elimination of racism. This month the postage stamp commemorating African American History Month depicts Mrs. Marion Anderson, a contralto with Metropolitan Opera, by way of Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt, who helped her get there. Councilwoman Johnson sang with Marion Anderson when she was a teenager. Marion Anderson was a wonderful artist who came to Oklahoma City and had to live east of Walnut Street. She performed at the Civic Center, which was then called the Municipal Auditorium. She couldn’t stay in a hotel downtown.
Councilwoman Johnson attended the Farmer’s Day Celebration at Allen Chapel AME Church, founded by Reverend Richard Allen in 1704. The church is one of the earliest African American churches in the country. One of her close friends, Pastor Hugh Bennett is now the pastor at Allen Chapel AME Church and they will be doing some expansion on 13th Street.
Councilwoman Johnson congratulated David Godbolt, Douglass High School graduate, for his feat on the basketball court. She thanked the Municipal Counselor for bringing Mr. Godbolt’s achievement to her attention. She likes to highlight any achievements made by our youth especially Douglass High School graduates.
X.
Councilwoman Johnson reported she unwittingly took a picture with a person who is running for office. She would not have done it, if she had known the person was running for City Council.
XI. City Manager Reports.
A. February 2005 Sales and Use Tax Collections.
City Manager Couch reported sales tax revenue was $1.6 million over target, 12.6% above last year’s collection. Year to date, the City is up $815,000 on sales tax.
B. Grants to Assist the Homeless; Homeless Survey.
City Manager Couch reported there are three factors involved in the Homeless report: grants, capacity of agencies, and survey of homeless persons in Oklahoma City. Mr. Couch introduced, Dan Straughan, Executive Director of the Homeless Alliance and Jane Ferrell, Planning Department. Ms. Ferrell reported they are working on programs that do not duplicate other organizations efforts toward homeless problems. Mr. Straughan reported that although some statistics report homelessness down from 2004, he feels that the count might not completely reflect the current homeless situation.
XII. Citizens to be Heard.
Will Bandele, 717 NE 20th Street, encouraged the City Council to support economic development in the northeast quadrant of the city. He requested Council adopt a resolution designating NE 4th Street as an African American business/cultural district.
Michael D. Brown, Sr., 8813 NE 13th Street, Midwest City, requested additional time to repair the garage and house at 1800 East Park Place.
XIII. Adjournment 10:03 a.m.
_______________________________
Mick Cornett
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________ _____________________________
Frances Kersey James D. Couch
City Clerk City Manager