OKC Civic Life for Monday Nov. 18, 2019

Nov. 18--Firefighters back contract

Oklahoma City firefighters unanimously backed a new one-year contract in voting last week, International Association of Fire Fighters Local 157 President Scott Van Horn said. Salary increases average 1.6% and will be retroactive to July 1. The city council votes to ratify the agreement on Tuesday.

Healthy zoning OK'd

The Planning Commission approved a proposal for a "healthy neighborhoods overlay" zoning district in northeast Oklahoma City. The measure would set minimum standards for small-box discounters to stock fresh fruits and vegetables. The goal is to reduce the proliferation of junk food in a part of the city where many residents' health outcomes are poor.

Worth noting: The city council will make the final decision; the proposal has been championed by Ward 7 Councilwoman Nikki Nice.

Q&A: Tuning in to local podcasts

The Oklahoman asked Ward 2 Councilman James Cooper for his thoughts on podcasts focusing on Oklahoma City civic life.

Q What podcasts have caught your attention?

A I'd recommend "Let's Pod This" and "We Apologize for the Inconvenience."

Q Why is it worth tuning in?

A Each podcast offers perspectives from across the political spectrum about local civics and culture.

They said it

"Why do we care again about lot coverage? I'm trying to figure out why I care about lot coverage."

-- Ward 6 Planning Commissioner Asa Highsmith at last week's meeting. The Planning Commission was considering a request by H2O Nursery to use the existing home at 4700 NE 36 St. as a bakery. Staff required development occupy no more than 50% of the lot; principal planner J.J. Chambless said the intent was to be consistent with surrounding residential development. The commission approved the request.

MAPS 4: Neighborhood focus

The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber's November Forum, on Wednesday, is devoted to MAPS 4 and how its projects will benefit neighborhoods. Transit Director Jason Ferbrache, Parks Director Doug Kupper, and Assistant City Manager Aubrey McDermid, the former Planning director, will speak and take questions. Learn more: velocityokc.com.

Worth noting: Estimate your share of MAPS 4 by multiplying monthly spending on items subject to sales tax by 0.01.

MAPS 4: Encouraging voters

Embark transit buses and streetcars will provide free rides Dec. 10 to encourage voter turnout for the MAPS 4 election. MAPS 4 includes $87 million for transit improvements, including 500 bus stop shelters and technology to improve on-time performance. The biggest share would go toward developing two bus rapid transit commuter lines.

Present/absent

Mayor David Holt and the eight city council members attended the Nov. 5 regular meeting.

Calendar

The city council meets at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 200 N Walker Ave. Meetings are open to the public.

--Tuesday: The council conducts a public hearing on proposals to drop licensing and permit requirements for most street entertainers.

--Tuesday: The MAPS 3 river advisory committee reviews Boathouse Foundation finances; the council allocated up to $1.5 million to cover shortfalls.

--Dec. 3: Public forum hosted by The Oklahoman on MAPS 4 and future downtown, Boathouse District development.

--Dec. 10: MAPS 4 election; the deadline to register or update your voter registration has passed.

Staff writer William Crum Twitter: @williamcrum wcrum@oklahoman.com

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