September 17, 2024 City Council Meeting

Announcements

• Constitution Week Proclamation: Mayor Mark Ham proclaimed 📅 September 17th through September 23rd, 2024, as Constitution Week in the City of Moore, urging citizens to reflect on American freedoms and responsibilities.
• Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR): The Moore Malcolm Hatter NSDAR chapter meets the second Wednesday of September through May at 1:00 PM at the First Christian Church, 629 Northwest 12th Street.

Special Presentations & Recognitions

• Swearing-in of New Council Member: Sid Porter was officially sworn in by Municipal Judge Blake Virgin as the newly appointed Ward 3 City Council member.
• Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police Awards:
  • Chief Todd Gibson was awarded the 2024 Large Agency Chief of the Year.
  • Sergeant Kent Dunbar received a Commendation Award for his instrumental role in enhancing the Police Department's drone program.
• Planning Commission Honors: Commissioners Snow and the late Commissioner Graham were recognized for their 25 years of dedicated volunteer service to the Moore Planning Commission, contributing significantly to the city's growth and development.

Key Decisions & Votes

• Consent Docket (City Council):
  • Motion to strike Item C (Rose Rock Habitat for Humanity contract) from the consent docket was ✅ Approved.
  • Remainder of Consent Docket (Items A, B, D, E, F) was ✅ Approved.
• New Police Department Job Description: Approval of a new job description for a Communications Officer Training Coordinator in the Police Department's Communication Division at pay grade 111. ✅ Approved.
• Veterans Memorial Park Improvements: Approval for the replacement of cracked concrete walking trail panels and installation of ADA compliant bench locations by Silver Star Construction for 💰 $28,887.68. ✅ Approved.
• Right-of-Way Acquisition Services: Approval of an agreement with Pinnacle Consulting Management Group, Inc. for 💰 $346,500 for right-of-way acquisition services for Broadway Avenue (SE 19th Street to Willow Pine) and Eastern Avenue (SE 19th Street to Broadway Avenue) reconstruction projects. ✅ Approved.
• BNSF Railway Company Construction & Maintenance Agreement: Approval of an agreement with BNSF Railway Company and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) for the Southeast 4th Street railroad underpass project. The total estimated cost for track work and related services is 💰 $8,004,623, with ODOT verbally agreeing to cover 50% of the cost after other funding sources. ✅ Approved.
• BNSF Railway Company Easement Agreement: Approval of an easement agreement with BNSF Railway Company and ODOT for the Southeast 4th Street railroad underpass project, providing additional right-of-way at no cost to the city. ✅ Approved.
• Budget Supplements for FY 2024-2025: Approval of budget supplements for multiple funds, including the Moore Public Works Authority, to carry over prior year open purchase orders. ✅ Approved.
• Moore Public Transportation Feasibility Study: Discussion and ✅ Approval of the final draft of the Moore Public Transportation Feasibility Study. The study outlines a three-phase implementation plan, starting with expanded demand response service and a citywide microtransit pilot service. Staff will research grant opportunities and microtransit providers for more defined cost estimates.
• Consent Docket (Moore Public Works Authority): ✅ Approved.
• Consent Docket (Moore Risk Management Authority): ✅ Approved.
• Consent Docket (Moore Economic Development Authority): ✅ Approved.
• Executive Session: The Council convened in executive session to discuss a pending claim. Upon reconvening, a motion to proceed as directed was ✅ Approved.

Public Comments

• Broadway Avenue Reconstruction Project:
  • Linda Howard (3115 S Broadway) expressed concerns about the proximity of the proposed widened Broadway Avenue to her elderly parents' home, asking if the city would consider purchasing their property due to the impact. Staff indicated that final plans are at 90% and more precise staking will provide clearer information, with further discussions to follow.
  • Patrice Williams (1061 NW 6th St) reiterated concerns about the Broadway Avenue project's impact on her parents' front door and driveway.
• Moore Public Transportation Feasibility Study:
  • Patrice Williams (1061 NW 6th St) raised several concerns regarding the study's data, questioning the accuracy of poverty levels in certain areas and car ownership statistics. She expressed opposition to potential funding mechanisms like sales tax increases, vehicle registration fees, or property tax increases, citing residents' tax burden. She also suggested that light rail might be a more beneficial long-term solution for regional connectivity, though acknowledged it wouldn't address local Moore transportation needs.
• Chicken Ordinance:
  • Barry Williams (1061 NW 6th St) inquired about the status and timeline for the proposed chicken ordinance. Staff confirmed an ordinance is being drafted and is expected to be ready for Council vote within the next couple of months.
  • Ken Drama (817 SE 13th) sought clarification on whether the proposed ordinance would cover all fowl or just chickens. Staff confirmed it is specific to chickens.

Council & Staff Updates

• 4th Street and Bryant Project: An update was provided on the ongoing challenges with groundwater and material acceptance for the channel base. The contractor, Silver Star Construction, is expected to begin work on 📅 Monday, September 23rd, with an alternative solution for the base.
• Grillstock Event: The City Manager congratulated the Chamber of Commerce for a successful Grillstock event at Buck Thomas Park, thanking the police and fire departments for their support.

Agenda Summary Table