Meeting Summary
The City Council approved a comprehensive plan to take over public transit operations from the University of Oklahoma, including establishing a new special revenue fund, purchasing 28 vehicles, leasing facilities from OU, and contracting with EMBARK for operational services. This transition aims to ensure continuous public transit service in Norman, with EMBARK beginning fixed route operations on August 5th.
Key Decisions & Votes
Mayor's appointments to Ward 4 Candidate Selection Committee
02:00The council confirmed the mayor's appointments to the Ward 4 Candidate Selection Committee.
Resolution 1920-20 for Public Transit Fund and Operations
26:00A resolution was adopted to establish a new special revenue fund for transportation and parking, accept federal funds, and appropriate general funds for expanded public transit operations.
Amendment to OU Contract for Extended Transit Services
27:00An amendment to the contract with the University of Oklahoma was approved to extend paratransit management, operations, and maintenance services until October 1, 2019.
Purchase of 28 Public Transportation Vehicles
28:00Authorization was granted for the purchase of 28 public transportation vehicles from the University of Oklahoma for $327,274.51.
Lease Agreement with OU for Transit Facilities
29:00A lease agreement with the University of Oklahoma was approved for office, service, storage, and garage space for transit operations from August 5, 2019, through December 31, 2019.
Interlocal Agreement with EMBARK for Transit Services
31:00An interlocal agreement with Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority (EMBARK) was approved to provide public transportation services, including fixed routes and paratransit, with an amendment to reflect the correct vehicles being purchased from OU and leased to EMBARK.
Financial Matters
Transfer from General Fund for Transit
Transferring funds from the general fund to the new special revenue fund for public transit operations.
Appropriation from General Fund for Transit
Appropriating funds from the general fund for the implementation of expanded city public transit operations.
Estimated Total Annual Cost for Public Transportation
Estimated total cost for running the public transportation system in Norman for the current fiscal year.
Agreement with OU for Bridge Service (July 1 - Oct 1)
Estimated cost for the University of Oklahoma to provide bridge transit services, covering fixed routes for July and paratransit/maintenance until October 1st.
Contract with EMBARK for Operations
Not to exceed amount for EMBARK to cover operational and administrative services for the remainder of FY20, including fixed routes and paratransit.
Lease of OU Facility
Estimated cost to lease the CART facility from the University of Oklahoma for office space, service bays, fleet storage, and warehouse garage space.
Internal Fleet Maintenance
Estimated internal costs for fuel, parts, three new mechanics, and space rental for fleet maintenance.
Purchase of 28 Public Transportation Vehicles
Total cost for acquiring 28 vehicles from OU, including a $200,000 local grant match for two new buses and $127,274.51 for 26 used vehicles.
EMBARK Startup Costs
One-time startup costs associated with the EMBARK contract, including setting up offices, computers, phones, new fare boxes, and CCTV systems.
CDBG Bus Pass Program
Funds allocated for the issuance of bus passes pursuant to Norman's Community Development Block Grant program.
Fare Box Conversion Cost
Estimated cost to convert fare boxes on the buses, which may be deferred due to a proposed free fare period.
Public Comments
One citizen commented on the efficiency of the bus system, suggesting a free downtown loop similar to Seattle and inquiring about free bus services in Edmond as potential models for Norman.
Coming Up
Watch For
- EMBARK will begin operating the seven fixed routes on August 5th.
- EMBARK will take over paratransit service on October 1st.
- The City will assume full fleet maintenance responsibilities on October 1st.
- The lease with the University of Oklahoma for transit facilities is set to end on December 31st.
- The entire transit operation is planned to move to city-owned facilities by January 1st.
- Discussions have begun with architects to design and build a new, low-cost maintenance facility at the north base for buses and emergency vehicles.
- Council will need to address the lack of a budget for fleet replacement in coming months.
- A new Public Transit Coordinator position is recommended to manage the federally funded transit system.
- The Mayor expressed interest in creating a Public Transit Commission to ensure public input for the bus system.
Announcements
- Public comments would be accepted for agenda items 4 through 8.
- Acknowledgement of hard-working staff from the legal department (Catherine Walker, Christiana Bell), University of Oklahoma (Chris Glen from CART), and EMBARK partners (Jason Farebrush, Haley Ross) for their contributions to the transit transition.
- A correction was made to the list of vehicles for purchase/transfer, as three vehicles were mistakenly included and three excluded on the original list.
Agenda Summary
Item 3: Mayor's appointments to the Ward 4 Candidate Selection Committee
Consideration of the mayor's appointments to the Ward 4 Candidate Selection Committee, consisting of George Ahmadi, Greg Youngman, Andy Ricker, Lint Thewesner, and Emily Wilkins.
Item 4: Resolution 1920-20 establishing a new special revenue fund
Establishing a new special revenue fund for transportation and parking, accepting federal transportation administration funds when received, transferring $1,135,500 from the general fund, and appropriating $4,080,323 from the general fund for the implementation of expanded city public transit operations.
Item 5: Amendment number one to contract K1819-150 with the Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma
Providing an extension of the service agreement to provide certain public transportation services, including paratransit management and operations and maintenance services for the City of Norman from August 5, 2019, through October 1, 2019.
Item 6: Authorization for the purchase of 28 public transportation vehicles from the University of Oklahoma
Authorization for the purchase of 28 public transportation vehicles from the University of Oklahoma in the cumulative amount of $327,274.51 to be used to provide public transportation in the city of Norman and surrounding area, and authorizing the city manager to execute 28 corresponding bills of sale.
Item 7: Contract K1920-32, a lease agreement between the City of Norman, Oklahoma and the Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma
Lease agreement for the lease of office space, service bays, fleet storage, and warehouse garage space to be used for providing transportation services from August 5th, 2019, through December 31st, 2019.
Item 8: Contract K19-30, an interlocal agreement with Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority (COTPA) doing business as EMBARK
Agreement to provide transportation services for the City of Norman from August 3rd, 2019, through June 30th, 2020, in an amount not to exceed an annual amount of $2,428,293 for operational costs, an additional pass-through costs in an amount not to exceed $1,218,646 for additional startup costs, and an amount not to exceed $35,000 for issuance of bus passes pursuant to Norman's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) bus pass program.