February 7, 2024 City Council Meeting

The City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to close 66 feet of 24th Avenue Southeast in the statutory right-of-way, a housekeeping item to facilitate future rerouting.

The Aim Norman steering committee reached a consensus to adopt a population growth projection of approximately 185,000-186,000 residents by 2045, which will serve as a foundational number for future land use and infrastructure planning.

The City Council supported an ordinance amendment to remove the 40% maximum building coverage limit in several residential zoning districts (R1, R1A, R2, RM6, R3, RE, A1, A2), while maintaining the 65% overall impervious lot coverage limit. This change aims to simplify regulations and accommodate accessory structures.

The City Council supported an ordinance amendment to allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in A1, A2, Residential Estates (RE), R1, and R1A zoning districts. In R1 districts, ADUs will be limited to a maximum of 650 square feet, and mobile homes are not permitted as ADUs.

2021 Street Maintenance Bond program

A 5-year, $27 million program with years one and two complete, and year three in progress. Focuses on urban asphalt, concrete, railroad rehabilitation, urban road reconstruction, and preventative maintenance.

2019 Transportation Bond program

Originally 13 projects to be completed by 2027, with 11 currently under construction. Federal funding secured for several projects, and bond funds used for James Garner Avenue.

2023 Bridge maintenance Bond program

A 10-year, $50 million program focusing on the replacement or rehabilitation of 18 bridges, with construction beginning in Spring 2024.

2012 Transportation Stormwater Bond program

Nearly complete, awaiting federal transportation grant funding for the 36th Avenue Northwest project. The program has received $41,341,000 in federal funds to date.

Capital Fund Status (FY24)

A projected deficit of $3 million for the current fiscal year, primarily due to required bond reserves.

Capital Fund Status (FY25)

A projected $262,000 available for new capital projects in the upcoming fiscal year.

Capital Fund Status (FY26)

A projected $5.7 million available for new capital projects.

Recurring Capital Projects (FY25)

Approximately $14 million allocated for various ongoing projects, including $500,000 for sidewalk projects, $4.7 million for capital outlay, and $2.3 million for street maintenance.

Norman Transit Center Bay Paving

Staff request for concrete paving to replace existing asphalt due to failures from bus movement and weight.

City Hall Municipal complex parking

Staff request for adding new parking on existing city-owned lots to free up visitor parking and provide secure storage for city vehicles.

West Grey Street parking lot

Staff request to pave the lot across from City Hall for public parking, potentially with a charging system.

ADA bus stop Remediation

Staff request to bring existing bus stops into current ADA compliance.

Office and email software replacement (IT)

IT department request for annual funding for software replacement.

IT infrastructure project

IT department request for annual funding for infrastructure upgrades.

Police training berm renovation

Police department request for renovation of the training berm.

Kids Space playground replacement

Parks and Recreation request to replace the 25-year-old, high-maintenance wooden playground with more durable, ADA-compliant materials, maintaining a similar theme.

Westwood Aquatic Center (WFAC) parking lot expansion

Parks and Recreation request to expand the parking lot due to overwhelming attendance and parking overflow issues.

Adult Wellness & Education (AWE) parking lot expansion

Parks and Recreation request to expand parking due to increased attendance, particularly for lunch services.

Main Street two-way conversion

Council request for initial design work for the conversion of Main Street to two-way traffic, with an estimated construction cost of $4.5 million in FY27.

Cedar Lane Road Extension

Council request for design work for a road extension, addressing emergency access concerns for several neighborhoods. The full project is estimated at $22.4 million for construction in FY26 and is likely a future voter bond project.

Reed Avenue reconstruction

Council request for design and construction to widen the road, add a curb, and redo an alleyway to improve drainage and emergency access.

Main & Wy signalization

Council request for design work for signalization, intended to be submitted to ACOG for 100% federal safety funding.

PD vehicle storage facility at ECOC

A project to build a 3,300 sq ft, 5-bay RV barn for storing emergency command posts and other emergency management tools. Originally bid at $875,000, now estimated at $1.5 million.

Center City Tiff account

The account is accumulating funds, with approximately $2.3 million currently and an estimated $3.7 million by the end of the year, awaiting a citizen committee and design implementation plan.

Ordinance 02324-34 upon first reading by title, an ordinance closing 66ft of 24th Avenue Southeast in the statutory right away

A housekeeping item to allow the ordinance to move forward for second and final readings, related to rerouting a section of 24th Avenue SE.

Update from RDG planning and design on the Aim Norman project

An update on the comprehensive plan process, including website engagement statistics, committee meeting outcomes, and upcoming neighborhood workshops. A 2045 population growth projection of 185,000-186,000 was agreed upon by the committee.

Discussion regarding the FY 25 2025 Capital Improvements Program budget and the FY 2026 through 29 Capital Improvement plan

A detailed presentation on current bond programs, capital sales tax revenue allocation, capital fund status, recurring projects, and preliminary staff and council requests for capital projects. Challenges such as increased construction costs and IT infrastructure needs were also discussed.

Ordinance amendment to amend the maximum building coverage in residential zoning districts

Discussion and proposed amendment to remove the 40% maximum building coverage in several residential zoning districts (R1, R1A, R2, RM6, R3, RE, A1, A2), while retaining the 65% overall impervious lot coverage.

Discussion regarding an ordinance amendment to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs)

Discussion and proposed amendment to allow ADUs in A1, A2, RE, R1, and R1A residential zoning districts, with a maximum size of 650 sq ft in R1 districts and other general guidelines.

Consideration of adjourning into executive session

To discuss the purchase or appraisal of real estate property located at 1305 Triad Village Drive and 5451 Hutner Drive Norman, Oklahoma.