Meeting Summary
The City Council held a special session to receive an update on the municipal election dates for February 12th and April 2nd, with filing from December 17th-19th. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the FY2019 Capital Improvement Program budget status and the FY2020-2024 Capital Improvement Plan, highlighting a projected negative fund balance for future years. Discussions also focused on potential solutions for funding shortfalls and various site options for the Senior Center, with staff directed to continue exploring land acquisition from the University of Oklahoma and TIF funding.
Financial Matters
FYE 2019 Capital Fund Paygo
Estimated available for new projects is $181,000.
FYE 2020 Projected Capital Fund Balance
Projected available for new projects will be a negative $3.5 million.
FYE 2021 Projected Capital Fund Balance
Projected fund balance is at a negative $5.8 million, continuing negative for future years.
2010 Street Maintenance Bond Program Surplus
A surplus of approximately $3.1 million remains after completing all obligated projects. Staff proposed transferring $2 million of this surplus to the 2012 bond program to address its deficit.
2012 Bond Program Deficit
A deficit exists in the 2012 bond program, largely due to the Lindsay Street project's cost overruns. A proposal was made to cover this deficit using surplus funds from the 2010 Street Maintenance Bond Program.
Lindsay Street Project Cost Overrun
The project went significantly over budget primarily due to higher land acquisition costs and a major policy shift by ODOT regarding stormwater discharge, requiring extensive underground work.
University North Park TIF District Funds
Approximately $11 million is currently on deposit in TIF funds, with about $1 million obligated to the Robinson West project and $75,000 to the Beard project. Discussion included using TIF funds for land acquisition for Norman Forward projects.
North Base Property Land Acquisition
Estimated cost to purchase the 14-acre North Base property from the University of Oklahoma is between $2 million and $3 million.
North Base Road Improvements
Norman Forward has programmed almost $1.7 million for road upgrades in the North Base area, which would be needed if facilities are built there.
Firehouse Arts Center Addition
A project for a $100,000 addition, with matching funds from a capital campaign.
Historic Music Museum Parking Lot
A project for a $365,000 parking lot.
ADA Sidewalk Compliance and Repair
A line item of $1,000 was noted, with council members advocating for a more robust allocation of funds to address ADA compliance issues identified in a recent study.
Animal Shelter HVAC and Roof Repairs
Significant problems with the brand new shelter's HVAC system (corrosion, dehumidifier/AC conflict) and a leaking roof were reported. HVAC coating alone is estimated at $2,000 per ton for the 53-ton system.
Legacy Park Parking
Original budget for additional parking (30 stalls, including handicapped) was $95,000.
Public Comments
While no formal public comments were made during the meeting, council members frequently referenced citizen input and community concerns regarding several topics, particularly the location and funding of the Senior Center, the need for increased ADA compliance funding, and the desire for timely completion of Norman Forward projects.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Election Board notice deadline for April ballot: January 31st
Watch For
- Formal adoption of municipal election dates by resolution (next Tuesday)
- Discussion on proposed new projects for CIP (February 26, 2019)
- Review of final proposed CIP plan for FY2020 (April 23rd)
- Voter approval for another five-year street maintenance program (FY2022-2026)
- Future stormwater utility fee election
- Griffin land acquisition
- Fire Station Number 10 planning and funding
- ADA compliance plan implementation with more robust funding
- Discussions with OU regarding North Base land acquisition for Norman Forward projects
- Discussions with ad hoc committees for Reeves Park and Ruby Grant Park regarding Senior Center placement
Agenda Summary
Update on establishing the filing dates and election dates for the City Council municipal election and municipal runoff election
Brenda provided an advisory update on the upcoming municipal election dates. The municipal election is scheduled for February 12th, with a runoff election on April 2nd. Filing dates will be December 17th through 19th. These dates are set to meet charter requirements and state statute guidelines, and will be formalized by resolution at the next meeting.
Discussion regarding the FYE 2019 Capital Improvement Program budget and FYE 2020-2024 Capital Improvement Plan
Jane Hudson presented the status of the FY19 CIP budget and the FY20-24 CIP plan. The presentation covered capital project sources, definitions, funding mechanisms (including Fund 50 and capital sales tax), and current project statuses. A significant concern was the projected negative fund balance for new projects in FY20 and future years. Staff proposed using surplus funds from the 2010 Street Maintenance Bond Program to cover deficits in the 2012 bond program, particularly due to the Lindsay Street project's cost overrun. Various ongoing and upcoming projects were highlighted, including Norman Forward initiatives and ODOT projects.
Consideration of adjourning into executive session as authorized by Oklahoma statutes in order to discuss the acquisition of real property for recreational purposes
The council considered entering into executive session to discuss the acquisition of real property for recreational purposes.
Presentation on Senior Center site options
Jed Foster and Terry Floyd presented an overview of the current Senior Center operations, historical context, and a model used for evaluating different site options. Five options were discussed: Reeves Park, Ruby Grant Park, Andrews Park, the old L4 site (west of Central Library), and the North Base property (next to the YMCA). Pros and cons for each site were outlined, including land availability, acquisition costs, development costs, central location, and expansion potential. The concept of a 'Wellness Center' model, similar to Oklahoma City's, was also introduced, which might involve third-party operators and user fees. Council members discussed funding mechanisms, including a potential bond issue for land acquisition or using TIF funds, and the need for further discussions with the University of Oklahoma and ad hoc committees.