November 19, 2025 City Council Meeting

📅 Announcements

• Small Business Saturday: Mayor David Holt proclaimed 📅 November 29, 2025, as Small Business Saturday in Oklahoma City. Citizens are encouraged to support local businesses, which contribute significantly to the city's economy and cultural identity. The Holiday Pop-Up Shops, hosted by the Independent Shopkeepers Association (ISA), will open on Small Business Saturday and run every Friday and Saturday through 📅 December 21st. More information can be found at ISAOK.org.
• Upcoming Council Meeting: Several key financial items related to the new arena financing will be brought before the council on 📅 December 2nd. These include:
  • Consideration of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) proposal for the AVA 2.0 project (26 units at NW 11th and Lee, $5.1M project) for up to $660,000 over 15 years.
  • A resolution of intent outlining how use tax funds will support arena financing, with 65% allocated to public safety equipment and 35% to other city facilities.
  • An amendment to the Maps 4 use tax resolution of intent to provide additional cash flow coverage for initial arena debt service payments.
  • An arena debt reimbursement resolution, required by the IRS for tax-exempt debt.

Key Decisions & Votes

• Teacher of the Month Recognition: The Council unanimously approved a resolution recognizing Nikki Mays as the November 2025 Teacher of the Month for Millwood Public School District and Rotary Club of Oklahoma City. Mays, a 7th-grade geography teacher at Millwood Arts Academy, was commended for her dedication, high expectations, and leadership.
• Employee of the Month Recognition: The Council unanimously approved a resolution recognizing Shelley Garrettson as the November 2025 South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club Employee of the Month. Garrettson, a Project Management Program Manager for the Information Technology Department, was lauded for 17 years of excellence in customer satisfaction, internal collaboration, and significant contributions to key city initiatives.
• Building Code Updates: The Council unanimously approved two resolutions to update the city's building codes:
  • Resolution Y: Amends the existing building code to correct a conflicting local amendment from February 27, 2024, clarifying the performance method, and updates elevator requirements to align with ASME A 117.1 2022, ASME A 17.3 2023, and ASME A 18.1 2023 standards.
  • Resolution Z: Updates the International Building Code to align elevator inspection standards with ASME A 17.1 2022, ASME A 18.1 2023, and ASME A 90.1-2023.
• Rezoning 12901 North Cemetery Road: An ordinance to rezone 12901 North Cemetery Road from AA (Agricultural) to PUD 2086 (Planned Unit Development) was unanimously approved.
• Rezoning 12516 Roberts Road: An ordinance to rezone 12516 Roberts Road from AA (Agricultural) to PUD 1763 (Planned Unit Development) was approved, despite a recommendation for denial from the Planning Commission and nearly 100% protest. An amendment to the master design statement was also part of the approval.
• Rezoning 1100 East Reno: An ordinance to rezone 1100 East Reno from I3 (Heavy Industrial) to I1 (Light Industrial) was unanimously approved. This rezoning is expected to facilitate the addition of a hotel, which Councilman Pennington noted would be beneficial for hosting the Olympics in Ward 7.
• Rezoning 14900 North Mustang Road: An ordinance to rezone 14900 North Mustang Road from AA (Agricultural) to PUD 2086 (Planned Unit Development) was discussed, including proposed amendments. Outcome not specified in transcript.

Financial Matters 💰

• Resident Survey Presentation: ETC Institute presented the annual resident survey results. Key findings include:
  • Overall satisfaction with the city's direction is at 72%, up three points from last year and nearly 30% above the national average for large cities.
  • Overall quality of city services is 19% above the national average for large cities.
  • Top priorities for residents remain streets and the effectiveness of the homeless response system.
  • Customer service from city employees, ambulance service, trash service, and fire services rated significantly above national averages.
  • Social media is now the number one source of information for residents about the city, a first for the survey.
• Bike Lane Projects Update: The Planning Director provided an update on current and upcoming bike lane projects, emphasizing their role in reducing traffic injuries, promoting physical activity, and offering affordable transportation.
  • Current Projects: 12 miles of on-street bike routes, 32 miles of trails, and 124 miles of sidewalks are funded, in design, or under construction.
  • Funding Sources: Projects are funded through 2017 and upcoming 2025 general obligation bonds, Maps 4, and federal ACOG grants.
  • Key Projects Discussed:
    • 6th Street/Linwood Boulevard: Combining sales tax and ACOG funds for street enhancement, parking, and bike lanes, utilizing excess road capacity.
    • NW 4th and NW 6th Street: Grant-funded ACOG project for resurfacing, bike lanes, and on-street parking.
    • Robinson Avenue (7th St to Grand): Bond and ACOG grant project for full street enhancement including bike lanes, sidewalks, bus stops, and lighting.
    • Classen Boulevard (Sheridan to NW 10th St): Funded by 2017 bond and ACOG grant for street enhancement, safety improvements, and bike lanes.
    • NE 4th and NE 8th Street: Maps-funded projects for the Innovation District, including bike lanes, sidewalks, trees, and lighting.
    • Villa Avenue (10th St to the river): Street enhancement with bike lanes, resurfacing, sidewalks, and lighting.
    • 39th Street (Pennsylvania to Chartel Avenue): A 2025 bond project for bike lanes, connecting existing facilities.
    • Stockyards: Project to install bike lanes and parking upgrades on a street with significant excess capacity.
  • Public Engagement: The city is developing a new website and content to educate drivers, cyclists, and scooter users on how to safely use new bike facilities.

Public Comments

• Gratitude for Traffic Safety: Pastor Jim Gult of Olivet Baptist Church expressed gratitude to the Council for installing a four-way stop on Southwest 29th Street, noting a significant reduction in accidents since its implementation.
• Opposition to Mustang Road Rezoning (PUD 2086):
  • Kelly Work, representing homeowners in the Greenwood neighborhood (north of 14900 North Mustang Road), opposed the proposed PUD. Concerns included:
    • Dramatic and abrupt contrast in density (455 residential units, including 17 duplex lots) compared to the existing rural residential character of the Greenwood neighborhood (5+ acre lots).
    • Significantly increased traffic volume on streets designed for rural use, potentially overwhelming them.
    • Lack of diversity in lot sizes and insufficient transition with larger lots along boundaries.
    • Requested elimination of duplex lots, a minimum 6-foot high brick or stone screening wall, and enhanced, specified landscape buffers along the north, west, and south perimeters.
  • Glenn Harris also signed up to speak in opposition, providing a handout to the council.

Agenda Summary Table