October 8, 2025 City Council Meeting

Council Notes: City Council Meeting Summary

📅 Announcements

• October 2025 is proclaimed as Arts and Humanities Month in Oklahoma City. The Arts Council of Oklahoma City will celebrate its 60th Festival of the Arts next year.
• October 2025 is proclaimed as Fire Prevention Month in Oklahoma City. Residents needing smoke alarms can call 316-BEEP for free installation.
• October 2025 is proclaimed as Pedestrian Safety Month in Oklahoma City. This aligns with the city's Vision Zero plan to reduce traffic fatalities and highlights initiatives like the "Week Without Driving" and "Walk to School Day."
• Councilwoman Jobeth Hammon will serve as Vice Mayor for the six-month period beginning 📅 October 13th.
• James Hudson has been appointed to the Oklahoma City Housing Authority.
• Council member Pennington's travel expenses to attend the National League of Cities meeting in Salt Lake in 📅 November were approved.
• Agenda Item 11I has been continued until 📅 November 4th.
• Agenda Item 9B has been deferred to 📅 October 21st.
• Agenda Item 11O (PUD 1758) has been withdrawn by the applicant.
• Several abandoned building items (2716 Brock Drive, 1900 Northwest 10th Street, 3016 Northwest 28th Street, 4008 Southeast 47th Street, 2209 Southwest 59th Place, 1013 Northwest 82nd Street, 1013 Northwest 89th Street) were stricken as owners have secured the properties or they require rework for additional structures.

## Key Decisions & Votes

• Mayor's Committee on Disability Concerns Awards: The Council recognized several individuals and organizations for their work in fostering inclusion and removing barriers for individuals with disabilities:
  • Public Personnel Employee Award: Stephen Brooks, Program Coordinator for Adaptive Recreation, for his work in making adaptive programs accessible.
  • Inclusivity Award: Sooner Success and the Supporting Minorities with Disabilities Coalition for hosting groundbreaking events blending culture and inclusion.
  • Pam Henry Media Award: Valentina Gutierrez for her documentary "Blend Ability," which highlights inclusive employment at Not Your Average Joe Coffee.
  • Don Davis Advocacy Award: Nancy Ward, a globally recognized disability rights advocate, for her extraordinary service in advancing opportunities for people with disabilities.
• Employee of the Month Recognitions:
  • September 2025 Employee of the Month: Jim Shepard, Senior Project Manager for MAPS, was commended for his leadership on the $145 million OKC Fairgrounds Coliseum project, delivering it on-time and on-budget.
  • October 2025 Employee of the Month: John Goncalvez, System Support Technician 2 in IT, was recognized for overhauling the radio shop's inventory system and fostering regional partnerships.
• Teacher of the Month Recognition:
  • October 2025 Teacher of the Month: Carly Schrader, Kindergarten Teacher at Santa Fe South Trinity Elementary, was commended for her excellence in early childhood instruction.
• Revocable Permits for Events:
  • Bodies Race Company for the Candy Cane Course 5K and 12K on 📅 December 6th along the Oklahoma River Trail and Wheeler Park. ✅ Approved.
  • Red Coyote Running and Fitness for the Red Coyote Half Marathon (and new 5K) on 📅 November 9th along the Oklahoma River Trail. ✅ Approved.
  • Downtown OKC Partnership for Brick or Treat on 📅 October 26th on Mickey Mantle Drive and North Walnut Avenue. ✅ Approved.
  • Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership for Midtown Walkabout on 📅 October 25th on Walker Avenue. ✅ Approved.
  • Visual Image Media Consultants for Carne DM (chili cook-off benefiting United Way) on 📅 October 24th on Park Avenue. ✅ Approved.

## Financial Matters 💰

• Sales and Use Tax Report:
  • Sales tax was up 4.2%.
  • Use tax was up 2.5%, though slightly below budget expectations.
  • Combined sales and use tax is currently $1.3 million over target for the year, attributed to a strong August and good current month's check.
  • The City Manager noted the need to monitor trends, as the effect of the finals may be an anomaly, and a slowing in the next couple of months is possible.

## Public Comments

• No specific public comments were noted in the provided transcript. The meeting primarily focused on proclamations, awards, and revocable permits.

## Agenda Summary Table