#OKCBOXSCORE
Water bills to rise under proposed new rates
Residential customers can expect to pay an additional $3.36 per month on their Oklahoma City utility bills under a proposed rate increase being taken up by the city council. The measure is intended to raise sufficient revenue to meet obligations through 2021, as work on system improvements — including a second pipeline from reservoirs in southeastern Oklahoma — intensifies. The city expects to incur $2.5 billion in costs related to utilities capital improvements by 2027. As the city grows, upgrades to water treatment and wastewater treatment plants are anticipated.
Worth noting: A financial impact report says a large hospital would pay an additional $1,515 per month for water under the proposed new rates. A restaurant would pay $58 more. A public hearing is planned Nov. 7.
Council to review antipanhandling ordinance
The city council will consider amendments to the anti-panhandling ordinance that became the subject of a federal lawsuit. The current ordinance forbids anyone from “sitting, standing or staying” in traffic medians near busy intersections. The proposed amendments would remove references to the median width and proximity to intersections, substituting limits on being in the median in places where the posted speed limit is 40 miles per hour or greater. The measure is to be introduced on Tuesday. A public hearing and final vote are planned Nov. 7.
Worth noting: The current ordinance drew significant public opposition. Panhandlers could reappear in medians at some intersections, where they could approach motorists waiting to turn left, if changes are approved.
By the numbers
•$93,156.84: Rent for the Almonte Library for the coming year at its current location, 2914 SW 59 St. The Metropolitan Library System set up a temporary location in the Almonte Shopping Center while the Southern Oaks Library was being renovated. The temporary location has been such a success that the Library System wants to keep it open until a new library for the neighborhood is built. Voters OK’d the new library in the Sept. 12 bond election. The city council is being asked to approve the rent.
•$700,000: Increase in the cost for fly ash, a product used in road construction, for the coming year. The city anticipates spending more on fly ash as the Public Works Department ramps up road projects. Voters last month approved proposals to increase spending on streets.
•$17 million: Upper limit to be set by the city council for public financing of a parking garage and retail and commercial space included in redevelopment of the First National Center, 120 N Robinson Ave. The deal is up for a vote at Tuesday’s council meeting.
Blumert plans run for county commissioner
Democrat Carrie Blumert says she will run for the District 1 seat on the Oklahoma County Board of Commissioners in 2018. Ward 7 Councilman John Pettis also has announced plans to run for District 1 commissioner, bidding to succeed Willa Johnson, who is retiring. Blumert works at the Oklahoma City-County Health Department. She directs the Wellness Now Coalition and coordinates Open Streets OKC, an initiative to promote walkable neighborhoods.
Tweet of the week
“.@TpTroubadours covering today’s Weekend Life section of @TheOklahoman for release of their great new album #ALongWayFromYourHeart #getit”
— @BAMOK, Brandy McDonnell, features/A&E writer for The Oklahoman and NewsOK. Read the story at NewsOK.com.
Streetcar construction
MAPS 3 streetcar construction is underway throughout downtown. For updates, follow the weekly downtown area traffic advisory online at okc.gov.
Present/absent
Mayor Mick Cornett and all eight city council members attended the Oct. 10 meeting.
The week ahead
The Oklahoma City Council meets at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 200 N Walker.