Meeting Summary
The City Council convened to discuss significant infrastructure projects and regulatory ordinances. Key discussions included the detailed timelines for the Senior Center, multi-sport facility, and indoor aquatic center, emphasizing design and construction phases. Additionally, a proposed ordinance for vegetation management in city right-of-ways was reviewed, aiming to enhance communication and oversight with utility companies. The council also considered a residential security lighting ordinance designed to address light pollution on a complaint-based system.
Key Decisions & Votes
Adjournment into Executive Session
00:20The Council voted to adjourn into executive session to discuss the acquisition of real property for recreational purposes and possible litigation related to the university north park increment finance district.
Return from Executive Session
01:15The Council voted to return to regular session after discussing real property acquisition and possible litigation, with no action taken or votes cast during the executive session.
Financial Matters
Infrastructure work for new facilities
Roads, drainage, and other infrastructure improvements for the Senior Center, multi-sport, and aquatic facilities will be budgeted and accounted for separately from the main project funds.
Forester position
The City Council has not yet authorized or funded a forester position, which would be a natural contact for implementing the vegetation management ordinance. The request is on the Finance Committee meeting agenda.
Animal Shelter Repairs
Significant funds are needed to fix issues with the animal shelter, including a leaking roof and HVAC system problems leading to mold, highlighting concerns about subcontractor quality in past projects.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Land acquisition for new facilities: next 30 days or so
- Design team contract for new facilities: by end of March
- Design completion for new facilities: fall of 2020
- Construction completion for pool/gym: spring of 2022
- Construction completion for Senior Center: sooner than the other two
- First reading for residential security lighting ordinance: February
Watch For
- Discussion on the future of the old Senior Center building.
- Passage of the tree ordinance.
- Finance Committee meeting on Thursday regarding the forester position.
- Upcoming tree-trimming and chemical spraying period.
Announcements
- The City and utility companies (OG&E, OEC) are already demonstrating improved cooperation and communication regarding vegetation management.
- Shortlisted design teams for the new facilities include excellent nationwide firms, many with local members, indicating a strong pool of talent.
Agenda Summary
Consideration of adjournment into executive session
To discuss the acquisition of real property for recreational purposes and possible litigation associated with the university north park increment finance district.
Discussion regarding the project timelines for the Senior Center, the multi-sport facility, and the indoor aquatic center
Presentation and discussion of the proposed timeline for land acquisition, due diligence, design, and construction of the combined indoor aquatic and multi-sport facility, and a separate Senior Center, including operational agreements and construction management models.
Discussion regarding vegetation management in the city right-of-way
Review of existing federal and state regulations, and discussion of a proposed city ordinance to improve communication, notice, and best management practices for utility vegetation trimming and chemical application.
Discussion regarding residential security lighting
Presentation of a draft ordinance setting standards for security and floodlights in residential areas, focusing on preventing obtrusive light spillover on a complaint-based system.