Meeting Summary
The City Council discussed and approved the fourth-year action plan for the Community Development Block Grant and Home Investment Partnership programs, allocating over $1.4 million for affordable housing and neighborhood initiatives. A detailed presentation was given on the proposed affordable housing rental program at Imhoff Road and Oakhurst Avenue, including plans to solicit developers. Additionally, several proclamations were made, recognizing various community services and upcoming events.
Key Decisions & Votes
Approval of Minutes
20:50Approved the minutes from the City Council, Norman Utilities Authority, Norman Municipal Authority, and Norman Tax Increment Finance Authority meeting of February 28, 2023, and the city council special meeting minutes of April 13, 2023.
Consent Docket Approval
59:00Approved items 9 through 27 on the consent docket unanimously.
Fourth Year Action Plan for CDBG and HOME Programs
1:19:00Approved the proposed fourth-year action plan for the 48th year Norman Community Development Block Grant application, including the 2023 HOME program totaling $1,400,424, to be submitted to HUD.
Land Use Plan Amendment for 2516 Briggs Street
1:24:00Adopted a resolution amending the Norman 2025 land use and transportation plan to remove 2516 Briggs Street from the special planning area one designation, while retaining its commercial designation.
Rezoning of 2516 Briggs Street
1:25:00Adopted an ordinance rezoning the property at 2516 Briggs Street from R1 Single Family Dwelling District to C2 General Commercial District.
Partial Exemption for 2516 Briggs Street
1:26:00Adopted a resolution requesting a partial exemption from current city standards for 2516 Briggs Street, advancing the short form plat process.
Upcoming Community Events
Public Works Week
Employee recognition (May 10th), educating school children (May 18th), volunteering to beautify public space (May 12th).
Kids to Park Day
12:00 P.M. at Rotary Park. Activities include Pioneer Library, Nerf battles, inflatables, snow cones, music, games.
Norman Law Enforcement Memorial Service
6:00 P.M. at the Legacy Park Amphitheater, 1819 Legacy Park Drive.
Bike to Work Day Rally
8:30 A.M. at Andrews Park.
Quint Studer Presentation (One Norman visioning process)
6:00 P.M. at the National Weather Center. Free and open to the community.
Norman StreetWise
6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Register at nacok.org. Dinner provided.
OU Graduation Weekend
Families descending on the community.
Norman Arts Walk
Hope to see folks out.
Mayfair
Coming back.
Jazz in June
Coming up.
Financial Matters
Affordable Housing Program Funding
Discussion on using ARPA funds for a 30-year, 3% loan to developers for an affordable housing project, with repayments returning to a revolving fund for future projects.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Allocation
Annual allocation from HUD for decent housing, suitable living environment, or economic opportunity, with specific amounts for admin/planning, housing rehab, neighborhood initiatives, and affordable housing acquisition.
HOME Investment Partnership Program Allocation
Annual allocation from HUD dedicated solely to affordable housing opportunities for low and moderate-income households, including administration, community housing development organization partnership, and development of affordable housing.
Cares Act Funds
Multiple allocations from HUD and Department of Commerce, with remaining funds for rental assistance, homelessness startup, housing navigator, admin, and child care assistance.
Down Payment Assistance Program
Limited down payment assistance offered in two specific neighborhoods to encourage homeownership, with funds forgiven 20% each year over five years.
Hotel/Motel Tax Increase
Public vote today on increasing the hotel/motel tax to benefit Visit Norman and the Norman Arts Council.
Water Rate Increase
Upcoming public vote on June 13th for a water rate increase, the first in nine years, to cover operating and maintenance costs.
City Budget
Discussion of the city's annual budget, encouraging public participation in the process leading up to the final vote on June 13th.
Public Comments
Heidi Smith, chair of the policy committee, spoke in favor of the CDBG program, praising staff expertise and the program's importance for affordable housing. Evan provided miscellaneous comments, expressing gratitude for city services and staff, and advocating for a 'gratitude revival.'
Coming Up
Deadlines
- RFP for affordable housing program published (May 10th)
- OFA meeting for developers (May 10th)
- Next election for water rate increase (June 13th)
- Final budget vote (June 13th)
Watch For
- Selection of developer for affordable housing project
- Approval of developer agreement for affordable housing project
- Rezone of affordable housing property
- Acquisition of duplexes using HOME funds (end of May meeting)
- Budget conversations for growing the affordable housing revolving fund
Announcements
- Councilmember expressed pride in city employees and leadership.
- Congratulations to young ladies completing the Girls on the Run program.
- Today is National Fentanyl Awareness Day; concern about overdoses and available help.
- Country Road (recovery program) grand opening on May 13th at 4:30 PM, with 4,400 beds available in Oklahoma for substance abuse issues.
- Kids to Park Day at Rotary Park on May 20th will feature Nerf battles, inflatables, snow cones, music, and games.
- One Norman visioning process public meeting with Quint Studer on May 10th, 6-9 PM at National Weather Center, presenting quality of life survey results.
- Norman StreetWise events on May 11th and May 18th, 6-8 PM, for public to meet department heads and learn about city operations (register at nacok.org).
- Election Day today for hotel/motel tax increase.
- OU Graduation Weekend is coming up; patience requested for out-of-town guests.
- Congratulations to Public Works, Utilities, and Parks & Recreation for reaccreditation.
- Happy 30th anniversary to Visit Norman.
- Positive feedback on Norman Music Festival and Norman Pride events.
- Wilderness cleanup at Sutton Wilderness on Saturday was successful, encouraging others to join next time.
- Happy Mother's Day on Sunday.
- Mayfair is coming back next weekend.
- Jazz in June is coming in June.
- Encouragement to participate in the city budget process; budget book available online, final vote on June 13th.
- Reminder to register and vote on June 13th for the water utility rate increase.
- MSTAT is in final stages of pursuing accreditation, which would make them one of four in the state and among 1% nationally.
Agenda Summary
Discussion regarding the request for proposals of the affordable housing program rental housing program proposed for the intersection of Imhoff Road and Oakhurst Avenue
Presentation on plans for a 5-acre property, funding with ARPA funds, requirements for developers (experience, 30-year affordability, 10% units at 30% AMI, bonus for 50% AMI), design standards, and safeguards.
Approval of the city council, Norman Utilities Authority, Norman Municipal Authority, and Norman Tax Increment Finance Authority minutes of February 28, 2023, and city council special meeting minutes of April 13, 2023
Review and approval of past meeting minutes.
Proclamation proclaiming May 9th through 27, 2023, as Public Works Week in the City of Norman
Recognition of Public Works professionals and their contributions, including an award for the city's Public Works, Utilities, and Parks & Recreation departments for reaccreditation.
Proclamation proclaiming Saturday May 20th, 2023, as Kids to Park Day in the City of Norman
Encouraging children and families to visit parks and lead active lifestyles, with a special event at Rotary Park.
Proclamation proclaiming Monday May 15, 2023, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week of May 14th through May 20th, 2023, as National Police Week in the City of Norman
Honoring law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice and those who continue to serve, encouraging Project Blue Light.
Proclamation proclaiming the month of May 2023 as Bike Month and Friday May 19th as Bike To Work Day in the City of Norman
Promoting bicycling as transportation and recreation, emphasizing safety, and recognizing Norman as a bicycle-friendly community.
Proclamation proclaiming the week of May 8th through 12th, 2023, as Economic Development Week in the City of Norman
Recognizing economic developers for promoting well-being, creating jobs, and improving quality of life.
Proclamation proclaiming the week of May 7th through May 13, 2023, as National Travel and Tourism Week in the City of Norman Oklahoma
Highlighting the travel industry's role as an economic powerhouse, supporting jobs and tax revenue in Norman.
Proclamation proclaiming the week of May 21 through May 27, 2023, as Emergency Medical Services Week in the City of Norman Oklahoma
Honoring EMS teams for providing life-saving care and their specialized training, with MSTAT pursuing accreditation.
Consent Docket
Approval of routine agenda items (9 through 27) by one motion.
Public hearing for the proposed fourth year action plan for the 48th year Norman Community Development Block Grant application, which includes the 2023 home program totaling $1,400,424
Presentation and public input on the allocation of CDBG and HOME funds for affordable housing, social services, and revitalization efforts.
Resolution amending Norman 2025 land use and transportation plan to remove property located at 2516 Briggs Street from the special planning area planning area one designation while retaining the commercial designation
Request to change the land use plan for a property to facilitate commercial development for a landscape company.
An ordinance rezoning property at 2516 Briggs Street from R1 Single Family Dwelling District to C2 General Commercial District
Companion item to the land use plan amendment, changing the zoning to C2 for commercial use.
A resolution requesting a partial exemption from current city standards relating to 2516 Briggs Street with the advancement of the short form plat process
Companion item to the rezoning, requesting exemptions for the development of the Briggs Street property.