Meeting Summary
The city council discussed the operational plan for the new Young Family Athletic Center, with the Parks and Recreation Department taking over as operator, and reviewed its projected budget and fee schedule. Additionally, the council approved a professional services contract for the comprehensive plan update, which will include land use, housing, transportation, stormwater, water, and wastewater plans. Several ordinances were also adopted, including a rezoning request and a special use permit for a public utility.
Key Decisions & Votes
Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes
N/AThe city council unanimously approved several sets of minutes from special, conference, and study session meetings held between February and June 2023.
Approval of Consent Docket
N/AThe city council unanimously approved items 2 through 28 on the consent docket, which included various routine agenda items.
Rezoning 485 College Avenue
N/AOrdinance number 0222339, rezoning property at 485 College Avenue from R3 multi-family to R1 single-family dwelling district, passed unanimously on second and final reading. The applicant plans to renovate the property into a single-family guest house.
Special Use Permit for OG&E Substation
N/AOrdinance number 022346, granting a special use permit for a public utility (OG&E substation) in the A agricultural district at the southwest corner of 48th Avenue Northwest and Franklin Road West, passed unanimously on second and final reading. The substation is required to support a Nextera 345 kilovolt line.
Upcoming Community Events
Art Walk
Councilmember Nash visited downtown businesses.
Chuck E. Cheese Grand Reopening
University North Park area.
Financial Matters
Young Family Athletic Center Project Budget
Total construction budget of approximately $44.5 million. Projected annual operating budget of $1.56 million, with projected annual revenue of $1.593 million. The facility is expected to be self-sufficient, not requiring general fund subsidy.
Young Family Athletic Center Membership Fees
Individual Norman resident membership: $300/year or $30/month. Family Norman resident membership: $960/year or $100/month. Non-resident fees are higher. Day passes: $5 for Norman residents, $7 for non-residents. Sliding scale for memberships based on free/reduced school meals will be implemented.
Young Family Athletic Center Rental Fees
Half court basketball/four courts: $35/$70 per hour. Volleyball: $70 per hour. Pickleball: $45 per hour. Conference room: $25 per hour (2-hour minimum). Pool lanes: $25 per hour per lane. Recreation pool rental: $150 per hour (2-hour minimum). Competition pool rental: $250 per hour (2-hour minimum). Event rentals: $65-$85 per hour (4-hour minimum). Non-athletic event rentals: $500-$750 per hour (4-hour minimum). Full pool rental: $500-$750 per hour.
Norman Police Department Funding
The council approved the largest budget in NPD history, including almost $2 million in additional funding over the last eight months for equipment and training, in addition to their regular budget exceeding $33 million.
Public Comments
Public comments primarily focused on concerns about rising crime rates, particularly those attributed to the unhoused population, and the perceived lack of long-term solutions. Speakers presented crime statistics, shared personal experiences of fear and threats, and urged the council to take action to improve public safety and support the police department. Other comments included a suggestion for solar water heaters at new projects and concerns about public behavior during community events.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Norman Youth Council applications due by August 7th.
- Teamsters contract vote: August 3rd through August 22nd.
Watch For
- Young Family Athletic Center facility policy to be put forward on a council agenda by resolution on August 8th.
- Budget amendment for Young Family Athletic Center operations (7-8 month plan) on August 8th.
- Comprehensive Plan background work in August, committee kickoff in September, with a 16-month completion target.
- Appointment of Comprehensive Plan steering committee by the second meeting in August.
Announcements
- Councilmember Schuler will not be present for the first meeting in August due to a work summit.
- Councilmember Montoya thanked city staff for addressing constituent concerns and extended condolences to the family of a road rage incident victim.
- Councilmember Nash mentioned the Art Walk, discussed scheduling a 988 service provider for a chamber lunch and learn, and announced a two-week temporary closure of Eufaula Street between Porter Avenue and Crawford Avenue.
- Councilmember Holman encouraged applications for the Norman Youth Council (due August 7th) and shared a perspective on the challenges and voluntary nature of serving on the city council.
- Councilmember Peacock announced the grand reopening of Chuck E. Cheese in the University North Park area.
Agenda Summary
Discussion regarding the Young Family Athletic Center operator
Presentation and discussion on the Young Family Athletic Center's construction progress, operational plan by the Parks and Recreation Department, fee schedule, community partners, and budget projections. The city will operate the facility after negotiations with Santa Fe Family Life Center did not work out.
Discussion regarding the comprehensive plan Professional Services contract
Presentation and discussion on the contract with RDG and Garver for professional services to update the city's comprehensive plan, including land use, housing, transportation, stormwater, water, and wastewater plans. The timeline for the 16-month project and public engagement strategy were also discussed.
Approval of city council meeting minutes
Approval of city council special meeting minutes of February 28, 2023; city council conference meeting minutes of April 11, 2023 and April 25, 2023; city council study session meeting minutes of April 18, 2023; and city council special meeting minutes of June 6, 2023.
Consent Docket (Items 2-28)
Approval of routine agenda items designated by unanimous consent.
Ordinance number 0222339 upon second and final reading
Rezoning property located at 485 College Avenue from R3 multi-family dwelling District to R1 single-family dwelling District.
Ordinance number 022346 upon second and final reading
Granting a special use for a public utility (OG&E substation) in the A agricultural district for property located in the southwest corner of 48th Avenue Northwest and Franklin Road West Franklin Road.