Meeting Summary
The City Council approved several proclamations, including Arbor Day, International DeMolay Month, Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month, and Autism Awareness Month. Key decisions included granting a special use permit for Children's House Montessori School and, most significantly, approving a Memorandum of Understanding and an accompanying resolution to establish a framework and timeline for the early termination of the University North Park Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district by June 30, 2019.
Key Decisions & Votes
Approval of Consent Docket
23:50The City Council approved all items (9-19) on the consent docket, which included various appointments, financial reports, and contracts.
Special Use Permit for Children's House Montessori School
30:30An ordinance was adopted on final reading to grant a special use permit for Children's House Montessori School at 2323 Classen Boulevard, allowing for expansion to meet demand.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for UNP TIF Early Termination
54:00The City Council approved an amended Memorandum of Understanding with multiple parties, establishing a framework and timeline to cooperatively end the University North Park Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district by June 30, 2019.
Resolution for Early Termination of UNP TIF and Budget Preparation
1:07:00An amended resolution was adopted expressing the council's desire for early termination of the UNP TIF by June 30, 2019, and directing the city manager to prepare the FY2020 budget with the goal of the TIF ending, detailing the anticipated changes.
Upcoming Community Events
Arbor Day Observance
Noon to 5:00 PM in Reaves Park, as part of the 18th annual Earth Day Festival.
Ward 3 Meeting
6:00 PM at the Westside Library, discussing various ballot initiatives.
Roosevelt School Open House
6:00 PM at Roosevelt School, discussing various ballot initiatives.
Ward 8 Meeting
1:30 PM to 3:00 PM at Fire Station 7, discussing crime prevention, Robinson and Crossroads construction, and the Vision package.
Vision Package Election
Vote on transportation bond, stormwater bond, and stormwater utility.
Bethesda's Swing into Spring
At the Rail House.
Pause for Consent Dog Walk
At Andrews Park, raising money and awareness for the Women's Resource Center regarding sexual violence.
Financial Matters
Robinson Street Water Line Replacement Project Phase 2 Contract
Contract with Central Contracting Services Inc. for the Robinson Street Water Line Replacement Project Phase 2.
Children's Early Literacy Panels Purchase
Authorization for the purchase of children's early literacy panels for the Norman Public Library Central.
Flood Avenue Water Line Replacement Contract
Contract with CPNY for engineering services for Flood Avenue water line replacement.
Performing Arts Studio Contract
Contract with The Performing Arts Studio to provide hospitality services at the Santa Fe Train Depot.
Traffic Signal Equipment Appropriation
Resolution appropriating funds to repair and replace traffic signal equipment damaged in accidents.
Curtis Garret Workers Compensation Commission Case
Approval of a court order plus court costs regarding a workers' compensation case.
Public Comments
Public comments included calls for Norman to become a 'sanctuary city for the unborn,' citing actions in Roswell, New Mexico, and discussions on the morality of abortion. Other speakers addressed the financial impact of the TIF on Norman Public Schools, with some presenting research suggesting a smaller impact than commonly believed, and the benefits of city-provided sports facilities.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- May 15th: Amendments to the University North Park TIF project plan must be ready for the statutory TIF committee.
- May 31st: Amendments to existing development agreements related to the UNP TIF must be ready for council action.
- June 30th: Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) concerning the UNP TIF automatically terminates, and is the goal for early termination of the TIF district.
Watch For
- A meeting of the Center City Administrative Delay Ad Hoc Advisory Committee on Thursday at 4 PM for a staff presentation, followed by a public listening session at 6 PM in the community planning and transportation committee room.
- Discussions and potential budget adjustments related to the early termination of the University North Park TIF and its impact on Norman Public Schools.
- The Vision package election on Tuesday, April 2nd, including transportation and stormwater bonds, and a stormwater utility.
Announcements
- Chief Humphrey was congratulated on his new job as Police Chief in Little Rock.
- Councilmember Castleberry will be traveling to Tulsa with Sheriff Todd Gibson to tour various criminal justice and social service facilities for ideas to bring back to Norman.
- April is Sexual Violence Awareness Month.
- The Women's and Gender Studies department at the University of Oklahoma is having a gala.
- Mayor Miller's birthday is the day after the upcoming election.
Agenda Summary
Item 3: Approval of Minutes
Approval of the City Council Conference minutes of February 12, 2019, and City Council, Norman Utilities Authority, Norman Municipal Authority, and Norman Tax Increment Financing minutes of March 12, 2019.
Item 4: Proclamation for Arbor Day
Proclamation proclaiming Sunday, April 28, 2019, as Arbor Day in the City of Norman.
Item 5: Proclamation for International DeMolay Month
Proclamation proclaiming the month of March 2019 as International DeMolay Month in the City of Norman.
Item 6: Proclamation for Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month
Proclamation proclaiming the month of April 2019 as Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month in the City of Norman.
Item 7: Proclamation for Autism Awareness Month
Proclamation proclaiming the month of April 2019 as Autism Awareness Month in the City of Norman.
Item 8: Consent Docket
Designation of routine agenda items (9-19) for approval or acknowledgment by one motion.
Item 9: Mayor's Appointment to Center City Administrative Delay Ad Hoc Advisory Committee
Appointment of Jim Adair, Cameron Brewer, Lee Hall, Keith McCabe, Richard McGowan, Autumn McMann, Byron Morris, Councilmember Bill Hickman, and Councilmember Steven Tyler Holman to the Center City Administrative Delay Ad Hoc Advisory Committee.
Item 10: Finance Director's Investment Report
Consideration of the Finance Director's Investment Report as of February 28, 2019.
Item 11: Monthly Departmental Reports
Consideration of the monthly departmental reports for the month of February 2019.
Item 12: Robinson Street Water Line Replacement Project Phase 2 Contract
Acceptance of bids and approval of the contract with Central Contracting Services Inc. for the Robinson Street Water Line Replacement Project Phase 2, including amendment to work schedule and road closures.
Item 13: Pavement Markings Bid
Bid for the installation of pavement markings for the Traffic Control Division.
Item 14: Children's Early Literacy Panels Purchase
Authorization for the purchase of children's early literacy panels from TMC Furniture Inc. for the Norman Public Library Central.
Item 15: Norman Rural Certificate of Survey for Kirby Ranch
Consideration of a variance in minimum acreage and frontage requirements for Lots 1-12 and acceptance of easements located at the southwest corner of East Robinson Street and 72nd Avenue Northeast.
Item 16: Flood Avenue Water Line Replacement Contract
Contract with CPNY to provide engineering services related to survey, design, bidding, and construction management of the Flood Avenue water line replacement from Rock Creek Road to Venture Drive.
Item 17: Performing Arts Studio Contract
Contract with The Performing Arts Studio to provide hospitality services to the general public visiting the Santa Fe Train Depot.
Item 18: Resolution Appropriating Funds for Traffic Signal Equipment
Resolution appropriating funds from refunds/reimbursements/miscellaneous risk management account to repair and replace traffic signal equipment damaged in traffic accidents.
Item 19: Workers Compensation Commission Case Approval
Consideration of the City Attorney's recommendation for approval of a court order plus court costs regarding a current Curtis Garret Workers Compensation Commission case.
Item 20: Ordinance Granting Special Use for a School at 2323 Classen Boulevard
Ordinance granting special use for Children's House Montessori School in an R-1 single-family dwelling district for 2323 Classen Boulevard.
Item 21: Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) concerning University North Park Project Plan and Increment
MOU providing a framework and timeline to achieve the city's goals of ending the University North Park Tax Increment Financing (TIF) early and addressing outstanding contractual claims.
Item 22: Resolution Expressing Desire for Early Termination of UNP TIF
Resolution expressing the desire of council to enter into binding agreements by June 30, 2019, for early termination of the University North Park increment finance district sales tax and ad valorem tax increment, and directing the city manager to prepare the FY2020 budget based on this goal.