Meeting Summary
The City Council held a conference meeting to discuss the continuation of the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) energy rating index (ERI) pilot program, with a strong recommendation to adopt it permanently by ordinance. During the regular meeting, the council approved the submittal of the fifth-year action plan for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME programs, allocating significant funds for housing and neighborhood initiatives. Additionally, numerous proclamations were acknowledged, recognizing various community efforts and events.
Key Decisions & Votes
Proclamation: Public Works Week
09:50The council unanimously acknowledged the proclamation designating May 19-25, 2024, as Public Works Week.
Proclamation: Kids to Parks Day
14:50The council unanimously acknowledged the proclamation designating Saturday, May 18, 2024, as Kids to Parks Day.
Proclamation: Bike Month and Bike to Work Day
18:50The council unanimously acknowledged the proclamation designating May 2024 as Bike Month and May 17, 2024, as Bike to Work Day.
Proclamation: Oklahoma Water Safety Month
22:50The council unanimously acknowledged the proclamation designating May 2024 as Oklahoma Water Safety Month.
Proclamation: National Travel and Tourism Week
26:50The council unanimously acknowledged the proclamation designating May 19-25, 2024, as National Travel and Tourism Week.
Consent Docket
48:00Items 6 through 27 on the consent docket were unanimously approved.
CDBG and HOME Program Application Submittal
1:13:00The council unanimously approved the submittal of the proposed fifth-year action plan for the CDBG and HOME programs to HUD.
Upcoming Community Events
Public Works Week
Includes an equipment rodeo, a 'Touch a Truck' event at Adams Elementary, a coloring contest, and an employee banquet.
Kids to Parks Day Event
12:00 p.m. at Prairie Creek Park.
Bike to Work Day Rally
8:30 a.m. at Andrews Park.
Oklahoma Water Safety Month
Includes the 'World's Largest Swim Lesson' event and scholarships for swim lessons at the Young Family Athletic Center and Westwood.
National Travel and Tourism Week
Annual tourism luncheon on Wednesday, May 23rd, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. (registration link on Visit Norman website).
Irving Middle School Solar Initiative Ribbon Cutting
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at Irving Middle School.
Norman Police Department Awards Luncheon
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at The Railhouse.
Norman Law Enforcement Memorial
10:00 a.m. at Legacy Park Amphitheater.
Creekside Bike Park Cleanup
Located off 24th and Lindsay.
Interconnections: Continuing Traditions in AAPI Art
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at The Well, featuring workshops, food, cultural booths, and local artists.
Wards 4 and 7 Combined Meeting on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Adult Wellness Education Center (602 North Finley).
May Fair
On Campus Corner.
Neighborhood Alliance 'Norman in the Know' Session
Discussion on zoning, ADUs, and short-term rentals.
Financial Matters
Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Program Incentive
A building permit credit of 14 cents per square foot for builders constructing homes above energy code standards. For example, a 2,600 sq ft home could receive a $364 credit. The cost for a third-party energy rating company is approximately $2,000.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Allocation
Annual allocation from HUD for community development programs.
HOME Program Allocation
Annual allocation from HUD for affordable housing initiatives, noting a substantial decrease from previous years.
CDBG-CV (CARES Act) Funds
Originally $1.2 million, these funds were used for rental assistance and homelessness startup assistance, with approximately $50,000 remaining.
CDBG Budget Allocation
Budgeted funds include $180,500 for administration and planning, $456,000 for housing rehabilitation, $142,000 for neighborhood initiatives, and $140,000 for affordable housing acquisition.
HOME Budget Allocation
Budgeted funds include 10% for administration, support for CHDO Norman, a small apartment complex project, and $40,000 for a down payment assistance program (expected to fund 16 programs).
Housing Rehabilitation Project Costs
Current costs for a roof replacement are around $14,000, and a heat and air unit replacement is about $15,000, reflecting significant cost increases.
Affordable Housing Corporation Property Acquisition
A 7,000 sq ft lot was recently purchased for $60,000, illustrating the high cost and difficulty of acquiring infill lots for affordable housing.
Electric Bus Battery Replacement
A projected cost for replacing batteries on two new electric buses after their 6-year/300,000-mile warranty expires.
Potential Transit Fare Revenue
An estimate of annual revenue if 250,000 riders paid $1.75 per ride, totaling $4.3 million over 10 years.
Public Comments
Public comments addressed concerns about excessive water usage by a marijuana grow business and its potential impact on local wells and the aquifer. Several speakers discussed the history and implications of the Uptown Norman TIF, raising questions about its financial return and impact on existing development. Appreciation was expressed for city staff and programs like CDBG, while other comments focused on public transit funding, the high cost of electric bus battery replacements, and the potential for implementing bus fares. Concerns were also raised about neighborhood safety (needles on sidewalks), Public Works customer service, the design and effectiveness of roundabouts, and the broader issue of homelessness and mental health. One speaker also touched on national college protests regarding the Israeli-Gaza conflict.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Public comment period for the CDBG/HOME Action Plan closes May 15, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.
Watch For
- The state's review of the 2024 energy code, which could impact the city's HERS program benchmarks.
- Development of the next 5-year Consolidated Plan for CDBG/HOME programs.
- The Department of Commerce application for HOME-ARP funds, due in August, to potentially leverage additional funding for permanent supportive housing.
- A combined Ward 4 and 7 meeting on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on May 18th.
- The May Fair event on Campus Corner this weekend.
- Future Community Planning and Transportation Committee meetings for updates on public transit and infrastructure.
- Construction of a new roundabout on South Jenkins at Constitution Street.
Announcements
- Irving Middle School will host a ribbon cutting for their solar initiative kit project on May 15th, 5-6 p.m., featuring their first solar unit and Outdoor Classroom.
- The Norman Police Department's Awards Luncheon is scheduled for May 16th, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at The Railhouse.
- The Norman Law Enforcement Memorial will take place on May 17th, 10:00 a.m. at Legacy Park Amphitheater.
- A park cleanup at Creekside Bike Park (off 24th and Lindsay) is planned for Saturday, May 18th.
- Ward 1 has seen an increase in retail theft, car break-ins, and trespassing; residents are urged to report incidents to the police to inform patrol schedules.
- Meetings are being arranged with Mr. Olsson and parents to address concerns and potential improvements for Youth Baseball, including funding and practice areas.
- Appreciation was extended to the Norman Chamber for organizing the recent DC Fly-in.
- May is Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AAPI) History Month, with an 'Interconnections: Continuing Traditions in AAPI Art' event on May 19th, 1-4 p.m. at The Well.
- May is Mental Health Awareness Month; resources are available at 988oklahoma.com/mental-health-awareness-month.
- Trey Carson was reappointed to the Pioneer Library System Board of Trustees.
- A council member shared a personal experience highlighting the complex and multifaceted nature of homelessness, particularly concerning mental health challenges.
- The Community Planning and Transportation Committee meets the fourth Thursday of every month at 4 PM at City Hall, with live streams available, to discuss public transit and infrastructure projects.
- Recent committee discussions included traffic collisions, noting that signalized intersections are high-risk areas, and roundabouts are being implemented to improve safety and traffic flow.
- The passing of Roberta Pales, a former Planning Commissioner and dedicated community volunteer, was recognized.
Agenda Summary
Discussion regarding the continuation of the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) energy rating index (ERI) pilot program.
Presentation and discussion on the HERS program's history, current incentive structure (50% credit for score 57, 100% for score 47), participation data, and the recommendation to adopt the program permanently by ordinance with a benchmark seven points better than the state minimum standard.
Proclamation proclaiming the week of May 19th through 25th, 2024, as Public Works week in the city of Norman.
Acknowledging the vital contributions of Public Works professionals to the community's health, safety, and quality of life.
Proclamation proclaiming Saturday May 18th, 2024, as Kids to Parks day in the city of Norman.
Encouraging children and families to engage with Norman's parks and public lands to promote active lifestyles and appreciation for nature.
Proclamation proclaiming the month of May 2024 as bike month and Friday May 17th, 2024, is Bike to Work Day in the city of Norman.
Promoting bicycling as a sustainable transportation method, a form of fitness, and emphasizing bicycle safety and awareness.
Proclamation proclaiming the month of May 2024 as Oklahoma water safety month in the city of Norman.
Highlighting the importance of water safety education to prevent drownings and recreational water-related injuries.
Proclamation proclaiming the week of May 19th through 25th, 2024, as National travel and tourism week in the city of Norman.
Recognizing the travel industry's significant economic impact, supporting local businesses, jobs, and tax revenue in Norman and Oklahoma.
Consent Docket
Approval of routine administrative and operational items.
Public hearing for the proposed fifth-year action plan for the 49th year Norman Community Development Block Grant application which includes the 2024 home program totaling $1,424 to be submitted to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Presentation and public hearing on the allocation of federal CDBG and HOME funds to address community development needs, including housing rehabilitation, neighborhood initiatives, and affordable housing acquisition.