Meeting Summary
The City Council approved the purchase of the 1210 West Robinson property for $2.45 million using ARPA funds, with an additional $3.95 million allocated for its rehabilitation into affordable housing units. This decision followed extensive public debate regarding the project's cost, feasibility, and the urgent need for affordable housing. Additionally, the Council authorized the City Manager to sign a petition supporting the proposed downtown Business Improvement District, and adopted new ordinances regarding flood hazard districts and development application postponement policies.
Key Decisions & Votes
Approval of Consent Docket
23:00All routine administrative and operational items on the consent docket (items 1-20) were approved without individual discussion.
Norman Regional Health System Porter Campus Final Plan
35:00The final site development plan and plat for the Norman Regional Health System Porter Campus Section 2 was approved, including a deferral of construction for 'Wellness Way' until later phases of the hospital's transformation.
Purchase of 1210 West Robinson Property
1:35:00The City Council approved a contract to purchase the property at 1210 West Robinson for $2.45 million using ARPA funds, with due diligence inspections for potential issues like asbestos and lead paint to be conducted before final closing.
Appropriation for 1210 West Robinson Property
1:55:00A resolution was adopted to appropriate $6.4 million in ARPA funds for the purchase, rehabilitation, and repurposing of the 1210 West Robinson property into affordable housing units.
Flood Hazard District Ordinance Amendment
2:00:00An ordinance was adopted on second and final reading to amend the zoning ordinance's Flood Hazard District section, adding a clear reference to Oklahoma statutory authority for local floodplain regulation, a requirement from FEMA.
Development Application Postponement Policy
2:10:00An ordinance was adopted on second and final reading to formalize a policy for development application postponements, generally allowing one postponement as a matter of right and subsequent ones at council's discretion, aiming to promote efficiency and reduce burden on citizens and staff.
Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) Petition Support
2:40:00The City Council authorized the City Manager to sign a petition on behalf of city-owned properties within the proposed downtown Business Improvement District, signaling support for its formation and inclusion of city properties as rate payers.
Upcoming Community Events
Ward 2 Meeting
Ward 4 Town Hall
Ward 5 Town Hall
Held at Bib Smokehouse
Ward 7 Meeting
Held at Reeves Park
First OU Game Day
Encouraged patience and understanding due to increased traffic and new students.
Financial Matters
Norman Arts Council Hotel Tax Granting Program
25% of the city's hotel tax is allocated to the Norman Arts Council for re-granting to arts organizations. Over $4 million has been distributed through this program over 40 years.
Public Arts Board Funding
Primarily funded through voluntary utility bill donations from citizens, which have decreased from $20,000 annually (12 years ago) to $8,000 annually. Also receives occasional private fundraising.
1210 West Robinson Property Purchase
Purchase price for the property at 1210 West Robinson for affordable housing.
1210 West Robinson Rehabilitation and Repurpose
Estimated costs for renovating and repurposing the 1210 West Robinson property into affordable housing units. Total ARPA allocation for affordable housing is $6.4 million, which includes the purchase price.
ARPA Fund Allocations
Total ARPA funds received: $22 million. Allocations include $9.5M for Emergency Operations Center, $100k for Norman Arts Council, $500k for COVID vaccine incentives, $3M for Lower Imhoff Creek stabilization, $1M for business incubator programs, $6.4M for affordable housing, and $2M for non-profit support.
Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) Assessments
Proposed assessments on downtown property owners to fund district improvements and services. The City and County would also contribute as property owners within the district.
Public Comments
Public comments were primarily focused on two non-consent items: the purchase of the 1210 West Robinson property for affordable housing and the authorization to sign the downtown Business Improvement District (BID) petition. For the affordable housing project, speakers expressed strong opinions both for and against, highlighting the critical need for affordable housing, concerns about the building's age and potential renovation costs (e.g., asbestos, plumbing), the project's location, and the transparency of the decision-making process. For the BID, property owners voiced concerns about increased property taxes, the fairness of assessments, the process of gathering support, and the city's role in potentially tipping the balance of support.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Further steps on the Norman Arts Council's proposal to form a Public Arts Committee.
- Inspections and due diligence on the 1210 West Robinson property for potential issues like asbestos, lead paint, and plumbing.
- Development of an RFP for supportive services and an allocation plan for the 1210 West Robinson affordable housing project.
- Finalization of the ownership and management structure for the 1210 West Robinson property.
- Consideration of alternative affordable housing options, including the Hampton Inn and mobile home communities.
- Future public hearing and action on the downtown Business Improvement District (BID) resolution and assessment role.
- Council members plan to hold town halls to discuss affordable housing.
- Advocacy for a 'percent for art' in Norman Forward 2 and a permanent program for city facilities and public works projects.
Announcements
- Council Member Studly thanked voters and encouraged participation in the ongoing election.
- Council Member Schuler thanked Ward 2 residents for attending a recent ward meeting and encouraged voting.
- Council Member Grant thanked Ward 4 residents for attending a town hall and encouraged voting.
- Council Member Tortorello thanked Ward 5 residents for attending a town hall and promoted Bib Smokehouse.
- Council Member Holman thanked Ward 7 residents for attending a meeting at Reeves Park and encouraged patience and understanding for the upcoming first OU game day and new students.
- Mayor Heikela thanked everyone for attending and participating in city government.
Agenda Summary
Norman Arts Council Presentation
Presentation by the Norman Arts Council proposing to transition the Public Arts Board into a committee solely under the Norman Arts Council to clarify legal standing, increase community involvement, improve agility, expand public art definition, and provide full-time staff support.
Consent Docket (Items 1-20)
Routine administrative and operational items presented for approval without individual discussion.
Item 21: Final Site Development Plan and Final Plat for Norman Regional Health System Porter Campus Section 2
Consideration of the final site development plan and final plat for the Norman Regional Health System Porter Campus Section 2, including a request for deferral/waiver of street paving, drainage, and sidewalks for 'Wellness Way'.
Item 22: Contract with HCR Manorcare Incorporated for Purchase of Property at 1210 West Robinson
Consideration of a contract to purchase the property located at 1210 West Robinson for $2,450,000, intended for conversion into affordable housing units.
Item 23: Resolution Appropriating $6,400,000 for 1210 West Robinson Property
Resolution appropriating $6,400,000 from the special grants fund (ARPA balance) for the purchase, rehabilitation, and repurpose of 1210 West Robinson Street to provide expanded affordable housing.
Item 24: Ordinance 02223TAC1 - Flood Hazard District Amendment
Second and final reading of an ordinance amending Section 429.1 of the zoning ordinance (Flood Hazard District) to add citation to Oklahoma statutory authority for local regulation, as required by FEMA.
Item 25: Ordinance 02223TAC4 - Postponement Policy Amendment
Second and final reading of an ordinance amending Sections 22.420 and 22.442.1 of the zoning ordinance to establish a postponement policy concerning certain development applications presented to City Council.
Item 26: Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) Petition Support
Consideration of a request to authorize the City Manager to sign a petition for property owned by the City of Norman and the Norman Municipal Authority in support of the proposed downtown Business Improvement District.