Meeting Summary
The city council held a conference meeting to discuss options for the Lindsay water tower, including demolition or repainting, but deferred a decision pending further partnership discussions. The first public hearing for the FYE 2025 budget was conducted, where citizens voiced concerns regarding sales tax revenue projections and the proposed TIF #4 arena project. Additionally, the council approved a rezoning ordinance for a local school to facilitate expansion and new educational facilities.
Key Decisions & Votes
Rezoning 1515 West Main Street
01:04:00The council adopted an ordinance to rezone the property at 1515 West Main Street from PUD to SPUD, allowing a local school to increase student capacity, add a flex space, and convert a pool into a subterranean greenhouse for educational purposes.
Upcoming Community Events
Bike Park Cleanup
24th and Lindsay (postponed from April 27th)
Ward 1 Spring Cleanup
Ward 1
Electronics Recycling
Andrews Park
Foam Recycling Collection
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Norman Public Library West
Law Enforcement Memorial Service
10:00 AM at Legacy Park Amphitheater (1898 Legacy Park Drive)
Norman Music Festival
Downtown Norman
Pride Weekend and Parade
Downtown Norman
Financial Matters
Lindsay Water Tower Project
The low bid for painting the Robinson Tower and demolishing the Lindsay Tower was $816,000. The low bid for painting both the Robinson and Lindsay Towers (including logos) was $1,202,000, making the additional cost for repainting Lindsay $386,000. The cost for logos alone was estimated at $20,000.
FYE 2025 City Budget Revenue Projection
The overall city budget has a revenue projection of $307,477,788, with the largest portions from sales tax, use tax, and utility fees.
FYE 2025 City Budget Expenditure Projection
The total budget expenditure is projected at $297,924,185, with the largest portions allocated to Public Safety, Public Works, and utility services.
General Fund Budget
The general fund budget is $88,316,243, primarily supported by sales and use tax revenues (64%).
Information Technology Capital Set-Aside
For the first time, the capital budget includes a specific set-aside of 5% of capital sales tax revenues, approximately $850,000 per year, for IT system replacement and upgrades.
Proposed Building Inspections Funding
A citizen proposed allocating $15,000 in the budget for building inspections to occur before one-year warranties expire on new city buildings.
Proposed Compost Fee Increase
A citizen suggested increasing the compost fee from $10 to $20 per front-end loader scoop and purchasing a scale for the Compost Facility to accurately charge commercial contractors.
Proposed Council Member Compensation
A citizen proposed paying council members at least $1,000 per month.
Public Comments
Citizens provided feedback on the proposed FYE 2025 budget, raising concerns about sales tax revenue projections, the financial implications of the proposed TIF #4 arena project, and specific departmental funding. Suggestions included funding for building inspections, a bus fare study, and increased compost fees. Other comments included advocating for council member pay, community art, and cultural events, as well as appreciation for city services.
Coming Up
Tabled
- A final decision on the Lindsay water tower's future (demolition or repainting) was deferred pending further discussion and potential partnerships.
Deadlines
- Budget adoption on June 11th
Watch For
- Further discussions regarding funding and partnerships for the Lindsay water tower project.
- The second public hearing on the FYE 2025 budget.
- Community Planning and Transportation Committee meeting on May 2nd, 4 PM.
Announcements
- The bike park cleanup on 24th and Lindsay has been postponed to May 18th due to weather.
- Ward 1 spring cleanup will be held on May 4th, coinciding with the Norman recycling electronics recycling event at Andrews Park.
- Ward 4 resident Kathy Bowden received the ecab James O. Alsup environmental recognition award for the foam recycling program; the next collection is May 11th at Norman Public Library West.
- Ward 6 big trash day is this Saturday.
- The Community Planning and Transportation Committee meeting will be held this Thursday at 4 PM at City Hall, discussing public transit, traffic collisions, and bridge standards.
- Upcoming sidewalk projects in Ward 7 include College Avenue (between Lindsay Street and Hoover), George Avenue (between Lindsay Street and Madison Elementary), and multiple projects on Classen Boulevard.
- The Norman Music Festival will take place this weekend (Thursday-Saturday) in downtown Norman.
- Pride weekend and parade will be held the following weekend in downtown Norman.
Agenda Summary
Discussion of bids for painting the Robinson and Lindsay water towers
Presentation and discussion regarding bids received for painting the Robinson water tower and options for the Lindsay water tower, including demolition or repainting with potential logos.
Proclamation proclaiming April 20th, 2024 as the 50th birthday of the Community After School Program
A proclamation recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Community After School Program (Casp) and its contributions to the Norman community.
Proclamation proclaiming Wednesday, May 15th, 2024 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week of May 12th through May 18th, 2024 as National Police Week
A proclamation honoring law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice and recognizing National Police Week.
Proclamation proclaiming the week of May 5th through May 11th, 2024 as the 55th annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week
A proclamation recognizing the vital role of professional municipal clerks in local government.
Proclamation proclaiming Thursday, May 2nd, 2024 as Leadership Oklahoma Day
A proclamation commending the Leadership Oklahoma program for its work in cultivating leaders across the state.
Consent Docket Items 5 through 20
Routine agenda items approved by unanimous consent.
Conducting and closing the first public hearing for consideration of approval, rejection or amendment and/or postponement of the FYE 2025 City of Norman proposed operating budgets
The initial public hearing for the fiscal year 2025 operating and capital budgets, allowing for public input.
An ordinance rezoning property located at 1515 West Main Street from PUD planned unit development District to Spud simple planned unit development District
An ordinance to rezone property for a school, allowing for an increase in student capacity, the addition of a flex space, and the repurposing of a pool into a subterranean greenhouse.