Meeting Summary
The City Council held a study session to discuss the proposed FYE 2019 operating and capital budgets, including several amendments and the potential addition of new staff positions. The second major item was a detailed presentation and discussion of the University North Park master plan, focusing on the proposed arena, traffic impacts, and financing mechanisms, with an independent review of project studies underway.
Key Decisions & Votes
FYE 2019 Budget Amendments
02:50Council directed staff to prepare amendments for the next council meeting to add $30,000 for vehicle barriers, increase CDBG/HOME budgets by $190,644, and correct typographical errors.
New Staff Positions
16:00Council members expressed strong interest in adding a Sustainability Officer, ADA Technician, Municipal Accountant One, and Internal Auditor and Technician, and requested staff to prepare language for amendments and provide full cost details for a future vote.
Financial Matters
FYE 2019 Budget Amendment: Vehicle Barriers
Proposed addition of $30,000 to the seizures and restitution fund to fully purchase vehicle barriers for game days and other events, bringing the total to $60,000.
FYE 2019 Budget Amendment: CDBG and HOME Programs
Proposed increase of $190,644 to true-up the state budget for the CDBG and HOME program budgets.
FYE 2019 Budget Amendment: Grammatical and Typographical Errors
Annual motion to correct grammatical and typographical errors in the budget with no financial impact.
Proposed New Positions: Sustainability Officer, ADA Technician, Municipal Accountant One, Internal Auditor and Technician
Discussion on the potential costs and funding sources for four new positions. The Municipal Accountant One position was suggested to be paid for out of municipal authority projects due to potential sales tax savings.
Reserve Policies and Fund Balances
Explanation of the 2% emergency reserve allocation, 3% operational reserve of general fund balance, and the rainy day fund (Fund 11), including projected surpluses above minimum and targeted levels.
Employee Turnover Savings Assumption
Discussion of the $800,000 net savings assumption in the budget due to natural employee turnover, retirements, and hiring at lower salary levels.
University North Park TIF Financing
Extensive discussion on the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) structure for the University North Park project, emphasizing that only incremental revenues generated by the project would be pledged to pay debt, with no obligation on the city's general fund. An independent review of project studies is underway by HVS.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Budget amendments for proposed positions to be voted on at next week's council meeting.
- Final presentation on the ADA Update plan coming next Tuesday night.
- University North Park master plan to be presented to the Planning Commission tomorrow evening.
- Draft University North Park project plan expected in a week or so.
- Joint project with ODOT to look at i-35 corridor interchanges in Norman.
Agenda Summary
Discussion regarding the proposed FYE 2019 city of Norman operating and capital budgets and possible amendments
Finance Director Anthony Francisco presented three proposed budget amendments and provided background information on four potential new staff positions (Sustainability Officer, ADA Technician, Municipal Accountant One, Internal Auditor and Technician). The council discussed the financial implications and expressed interest in moving forward with all positions.
Presentation regarding the University of North Park master plan and update on project plan elements
Mr. Rieger and architect Jeff Gunning presented an overview of the University North Park master plan, focusing on the entertainment district, arena, and mixed-use development. Discussion covered traffic impacts, design guidelines, potential for an elementary school site, and the financial structure of the TIF district.