August 20, 2024 City Council Meeting

Announcements

• Ward 3 Council Seat Vacancy: Applications to fill the vacant Ward 3 seat will be accepted from 📅 August 20th, 2024 (8:00 AM) until 📅 August 30th, 2024 (5:00 PM). The Council plans to meet in executive session on 📅 September 3rd to review applications. The selected individual will need to file to run again in December, as the seat's normal cycle ends this year.
• Sales Tax Renewal Election: The proposed renewal of the 1/4 cent sales tax will go before voters in 📅 November. If approved, it would take effect 📅 April 1st, 2025.

Key Decisions & Votes

• Consent Docket: The Council approved the consent docket items A through F.
• 1/4 Cent Sales Tax Renewal: The Council approved Ordinance Number 1055-24, which provides for the renewal of an existing 1/4 of a percent sales tax for another four-year cycle. This is a renewal, not an increase, and will be put on the ballot for voter approval. The proposed allocation of proceeds is 75% for the park system and 25% for public works (a shift from the current 50/50 split).
• Sales Tax Election Authorization: Resolution Number 93-24, authorizing the calling and holding of an election to submit the 1/4 cent sales tax renewal to voters, was approved.
• General Obligation Bonds for Telephone Road: Resolution Number 94-24, authorizing an election for the issuance of general obligation bonds not to exceed $6,700,000 for constructing, reconstructing, improving, or repairing streets and bridges on Telephone Road (south of SW 34th to city limits), was approved. This project was moved up due to the Turnpike Authority's plans for East-West connectors by 2027. The bond issue will not cause the mill rate to exceed 16.5.
• Special Election Proclamation: The Council approved authorizing the execution of a special election proclamation and notice pertaining to the proposed general obligation bond issue.
• Financial Advisor and Bond Counsel: Employment agreements with Chris Gander of BOK Financial Securities Inc. as financial advisor and Terry L. Hawkins of Phillips Murrah PC as bond counsel for the proposed general obligation bond issue were approved.
• Ward 3 Seat Application Process: The Council approved receiving applications to fill the vacant Ward 3 seat during the specified dates.
• ACOG Grant Project Resolutions (80/20 Match): The Council approved six resolutions for projects seeking ACOG (Association of Central Oklahoma Governments) grant funding, which provides 80% federal funds and requires a 20% city match:
  • Resolution 87-24: Programming the reconstruction of the South Sunny Lane Bridge (south of SE 34th St and north of Moore City limits). This will be a full replacement, including a 10-foot multi-use trail on the west side and stormwater improvements.
  • Resolution 88-24: Programming the realignment and widening of the Southwest 19th Street and South Broadway Avenue intersection. This project will realign Broadway to a right angle with Tower Drive, close Linda Lane, and include streetscape, multi-use trail, and stormwater improvements.
  • Resolution 89-24: Programming the reconstruction of Northeastern Avenue from NE 12th Street to NE 27th Street. The city plans to widen this to five lanes, though the grant is for four. It includes a multi-use trail, streetscaping, and stormwater improvements.
  • Resolution 90-24: Programming the reconstruction of Northeast 27th Street from I-35 to Northeastern Avenue. This project includes adding left turn bays at Pole Road, streetscape, a 10-foot multi-use trail, and stormwater improvements.
  • Resolution 91-24: Programming the reconstruction of Northwest 27th Street from Hillcrest Avenue to I-35. This includes adding left turn bays at Woodlawn and Poplar, streetscape, a 10-foot multi-use trail, and stormwater improvements.
  • Resolution 92-24: Programming the construction of a 6-foot sidewalk along South Sunny Lane from SE 38th Street to SE 34th Street, including a significant pedestrian bridge over the North Fork of the Little River, to provide a walkway to Timber Creek Elementary.
• Fire Engine Purchase: The budgeted purchase of a 2025 E-1 custom fire engine in the amount of $842,801 from Banner Fire Equipment was approved. This engine will replace the current Engine 3, which will be 10.5 years old with approximately 110,000 miles by the time the new engine is delivered (expected December 2025).
• Firefighter Bunker Gear Purchase: The budgeted purchase of six sets of Morning Pride structural firefighting bunker gear for new fire recruits from Municipal Emergency Services in the amount of $23,111.16 was approved.
• FY23-24 Budget Supplement: An amendment to the FY23-24 budget to include additional revenues received from the Cleveland County Justice Authority, excess mental health reimbursements, grant funds, and prior year sales tax collections was approved.
• Moore Public Works Authority Consent Docket: Items A and B were approved.
• Moore Risk Management Consent Docket: Items A and B were approved.
• Moore Economic Development Authority Consent Docket: Item A was approved.
• Executive Session Action: Following an executive session to discuss a pending claim filed by Julian Mashour on behalf of Amanda Bedard against the City of Moore, the Council approved a motion to proceed as directed.

Financial Matters 💰

• 1/4 Cent Sales Tax Renewal: The proposed renewal of an existing 1/4 cent sales tax, if approved by voters, will allocate 75% of proceeds to the park system and 25% to public works. This is a change from the current 50/50 split.
• General Obligation Bonds: An election was authorized for $6,700,000 in general obligation bonds for street and bridge improvements on Telephone Road. This bond issue is structured to ensure the city's mill rate does not exceed 16.5.
• ACOG Grant Projects (80% Federal / 20% City Match):
  • South Sunny Lane Bridge Reconstruction: Estimated total cost $2,997,101 (City match: $419,421).
  • SW 19th St & S Broadway Ave Intersection Realignment: Estimated total cost $6,667,995 (City match: $1,200,000).
  • Northeastern Avenue Reconstruction: Estimated total cost $14,550,560 (City match: $2,910,112).
  • Northeast 27th Street Reconstruction: Estimated total cost $12,149,858 (City match: $2,429,971).
  • Northwest 27th Street Reconstruction: Estimated total cost $5,861,125 (City match: $1,172,225).
  • South Sunny Lane Sidewalk Construction: Estimated total cost $1,474,316 (City match: $294,862).
• Fire Department Purchases:
  • $842,801 for a 2025 E-1 custom fire engine.
  • $23,111.16 for six sets of structural firefighting bunker gear.
• FY23-24 Budget Supplement: This amendment budgets additional revenues from the Cleveland County Justice Authority, mental health reimbursements, and higher-than-anticipated sales tax collections in the current and previous fiscal years.

Public Comments

• Backyard Hens Petition: Jordan Hodgdon (126 Platt Lane) provided an update on a petition supporting backyard hens, reporting 184 signatures in favor. Hodgdon encouraged the Council to consider the community's voice and suggested a permit system with an education requirement, similar to Edmond's model, to address concerns. City staff confirmed they are actively working on a potential ordinance for Council consideration.

Agenda Summary Table