Meeting Summary
The joint City Council and Norman Forward Senior Center Ad Hoc Advisory Group conference focused on the Senior Center project's budget and design. The Ad Hoc Committee expressed significant concerns that the current $7.6 million budget is insufficient to include key features, particularly a warm water pool, which was a high priority in public surveys. Preliminary designs and phasing options were presented, illustrating that a comprehensive facility with a warm water pool would require substantial additional funding.
Upcoming Community Events
Senior Center Project Public Meeting
Financial Matters
Senior Center Project Budget
The project has a $7.6 million budget, with $1.6 million allocated for design fees, site improvements, and soft costs, leaving approximately $6 million for construction.
Phase 2 (Warm Water Pool) Cost
Adding a warm water pool as part of Phase 2 is estimated to cost an additional $3.3 million.
Total Project Build-out Cost
Building all proposed phases (1-5) could add up to an additional $7.5 million beyond the initial $7.6 million budget.
Existing Senior Center Kitchen Utilities
The city currently splits utility costs for the existing Senior Center kitchen, which prepares approximately 450 meals daily for various sites.
Public Comments
Extensive public input was gathered through surveys (1324 respondents) and public meetings. Top priorities included an indoor walking track, group exercise, educational classes, social gathering, and fitness. A warm water pool was also highly desired but would significantly increase costs. Committee members and council members voiced concerns about the current budget not meeting expectations and the need for features that would attract a broader age range of seniors (50-65) and differentiate the facility from other fitness centers.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- December 3rd public meeting for the Senior Center project.
- Jenkins Avenue design contract to be finished in approximately 10-12 months.
Watch For
- Potential federal funding for the James Garner Boulevard extension, which could free up approximately $3 million for other Norman Forward projects, including the Senior Center, anticipated around 2022.
Announcements
- Dr. Gail Hudson is the chair of the Ad Hoc Committee.
- John Centner with FSB Architects presented the design proposals.
- Norman Regional has expressed interest in collaborating on medical services for the Senior Center.
- The existing Senior Center's ceramics facility and meal program may continue operations at the current location during the initial phases of the new facility.
- Concerns from the Medieval Fair organizers regarding the site plan were addressed and resolved.
Agenda Summary
Senior Center Project Discussion
Presentation on the Senior Center project, including background, public outreach plans, survey results, and preliminary floor plan and site plan options with phasing. The Ad Hoc Committee conveyed concerns regarding the budget's ability to meet desired facility features.