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January 2023

City Council Elections Feb. 14

Thirteen candidates filed to run in the nonpartisan City Council election to represent Wards 2, 5, 6 and 8 on Feb. 14.

• If two qualified candidates file to run, the winner of the general election on Feb. 14 is elected to office.
• If three or more qualified candidates file to run, the general election on Feb. 14 determines whether a runoff on April 4 is necessary.
• If a candidate earns more than half of the votes on Feb. 14, he or she is elected to office.
• If no candidate earns more than half of the votes on Feb. 14, the two candidates with the most votes go to the April 4 runoff.

The new council members will take office on May 2. The City Council has nine members: the Mayor, who is elected citywide, and one member from each of OKC’s eight Wards. They serve part-time as the head of the City’s Council-Manager form of government. The Mayor’s annual salary is $24,000, and each Council member’s annual salary is $12,000. The candidates are:

“Light as a Feather”

The sculpture “Light as a Feather” is the newest addition to Oklahoma City’s growing public art collection. Installed in Upper Scissortail Park, the towering 6-ton, 37-foot-long, 31-foot-tall sculpture forms a softly curved feather. At night, the sculpture glows, offering a gathering point for visitors. The artwork is dedicated to former Arts Liaison Robbie Kienzle, who transformed Oklahoma City through the 1% for the Arts program and lost her battle with cancer in June. Jason Klimoski and Lesley Chang of StudioKCA in Brooklyn, New York, were commissioned by the City to create the sculpture, which was funded by the City’s 1% for the Arts Ordinance. In the future, there will be an additional 1% for the Arts project in Lower Scissortail Park. Project details have not been determined.

Set it out right!

Each month, the City’s trash crews collect household trash from more than 208,000 households. This equals about 450,000 Big Blue trash carts emptied each week.

• Help keep our neighborhoods clean by setting it out right:
• Set trash carts at the curb no later than 6 a.m. on your collection day.
• Place carts on the curbside, not in the street.
• Set carts at least 5 feet from obstructions like mailboxes, trees, shrubs and cars.
• If you’re setting out more than one cart, leave at least 3 feet of room between carts.
• Don't overfill. Make sure lids close firmly.

For more tips, read the City’s Trash & Recycling guidelines at okc.gov/utilities.

New year, new job

Start the new year by applying for a career with the City at okc.gov/careers. Job seekers can also attend the City’s hiring events throughout the year, which allow qualified applicants to apply, interview and start the background check process in the same day. Current job openings include Collection and Distribution Trainee (Utilities Department, $18.25/hr) and Grounds Maintenance Operator Trainee (Parks & Airports Departments, $15.68/hr). These positions have potential for fast-track promotion.

Rec center update After numerous delays, the Willa D. Johnson Recreation Center is near completion. This new center, the first in more than 40 years, is named after Willa Johnson, the first Black woman elected to City Council. She served Ward 7 from 1993 until 2007. The 34,000-square-foot facility includes a teaching kitchen, fitness area, pool and slide, three competition swim lanes, a wading area, a lazy river, two basketball courts, walking/jogging tracks and classroom space. We anticipate opening in April.

Clear your warrant

If you or someone you know has a warrant for unpaid tickets for a class “a” offense dated on or before Dec. 31, 2020, we have good news. If your citation is eligible and can be paid in full, you can reduce your penalty to a cost similar to a ticket paid on time. You won’t be arrested or go to jail. For example, an overdue speeding ticket in warrant status could cost up to $613 to resolve - $420 for fines, costs and fees, plus a $193 for a failure to appear charge. But it can be resolved for $155 during the penalty reduction program, which is in effect through June 30, 2023. Call (405) 297-3898 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays to pay your ticket or request a hearing about financial difficulties.

Winter trail use

OKC has almost 100 miles of multi-use trails that offer residents safe ways to get out and
explore our community. Wintery days can compromise trail conditions so proceed with care when conditions are wet, snowy, icy or when strong winds are present. According to the CDC, one out of every five falls causes a serious injury.

Recycle Right OKC Place all recyclable items loose in your Big Green cart. Bagged recyclables end up back at the landfill. For more recycling tips, visit okc.gov/recycle.

Apply for Youth Council

High school students interested in learning about public service may apply for the Oklahoma City Youth Council by April 2. The Youth Council has 18 members each year, with two members from each of the City’s eight Wards and two at-large members. Youth Council members will spend the 2022-23 school year learning about the challenges of municipal government, addressing issues affecting OKC’s youth and more. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0, letter of recommendation and demonstrated interest in government and community service. Visit lokc.org/ylx to apply.

OKC Parks events

Hooked on Fishing - Trout Edition (ages 5-15):

Learn basic trout fishing skills, including casting and knot tying. Rods and reels, tackle and bait provided. Register with keyword at okc.gov/parksignup.

Teen Acting Classes (ages 13-18):

Learn the fine points of character development, acting and techniques, dance training and tech theatre. Classes end with a final performance where students show off what they learned, complete with lights, costumes and makeup. Register with keyword at okc.gov/parksignup.

Tween Jazz Dance (ages 8-13):

Learn musical theatre variations incorporating classical jazz techniques. Register with keyword at okc.gov/parksignup.