Meeting Summary
The city council reviewed and discussed transit service options to the Adult Wellness and Education Center, with a strong leaning towards pursuing a grant for the Embark Well program and improving sidewalk connections. A status update was also provided on the Lindsay Street bond projects, including federal funding, design details, and upcoming acquisition processes.
Financial Matters
Embark Well Program Grant
A three-year pilot program requesting $100,000 per year from the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) for a senior transportation service. The grant application was submitted yesterday.
Lindsay Street Bond Projects
Both Lindsay Street projects (Pickard to Elm and Elm to Jenkins) have received federal funding. The 4.1 million originally allocated for Elm to Jenkins has been reallocated to Pickard to Elm due to coordination with OU's stadium project.
Public Comments
One public comment was received regarding the Lindsay Street project, expressing concerns about increasing car traffic through campus, safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and the effectiveness of the proposed bike lanes. The commenter suggested that the plan might worsen congestion and safety issues.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Embark Well grant response expected in March, with a potential start date of July 1.
- Lindsay Street Pickard to Elm project bid by October 2026.
Watch For
- Public meeting for Lindsay Street project (NEPA process) around April/May next year.
- Further investigation into a sidewalk connection behind the behavioral health center.
Agenda Summary
Review and continue discussion of transit service options to the Adult Wellness and Education Center
Discussion of three options for improving transit access: adjusting Route 121, adjusting Route 122, and implementing the Embark Well program. Staff also presented plans for improving sidewalk connections to the center. Council members expressed support for the Embark Well grant application and the sidewalk improvements.
Status update and discussion regarding Lindsay Street projects
An update on the Lindsay Street bond projects (Pickard to Elm and Elm to Jenkins), including federal funding, design plans for three lanes, bike lanes, sidewalks, storm sewer upgrades, and coordination with the University of Oklahoma. The timeline for right-of-way acquisition and a public meeting was also discussed.