Meeting Summary
The City Council approved an ordinance amending the Center City Form Based Code. A presentation on the water rate increase election survey results highlighted public concerns about affordability and distrust in government. Discussions also covered the allocation of ARPA funds for an economic development incubator and other non-profits, and a consensus was reached to pursue a 100% Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meter replacement program.
Key Decisions & Votes
Center City Form Based Code Amendments
02:15The City Council unanimously approved the ordinance upon its first reading by title, implementing amendments throughout the Center City Form Based Code document.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Meter Replacement Program
1:20:00The City Council reached a consensus to move forward with a program for 100% AMI meter replacement, leveraging grants and a loan, with the expectation that increased billing accuracy will cover the costs.
Financial Matters
ARPA Funds for Economic Development Incubator
Discussion on allocating $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for a business incubator project, managed by the Norman Economic Development Coalition (NEDC). The project aims to expand incubator space, prioritizing minority-owned businesses.
ARPA Funds for Other Non-Profits
Discussion on allocating $1 million in ARPA funds to other non-profits, with a proposed process involving United Way for vetting applications. Council expressed interest in prioritizing capital investments and a sliding scale for grant amounts based on organizational revenue.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Project Funding
Discussion on securing funding for a 100% AMI meter replacement program. The city was awarded a $500,000 WaterSMART grant and a $2 million bipartisan infrastructure grant from the Bureau of Reclamation. Additional potential funding includes a $500,000 loan forgiveness from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. The total project cost is estimated at $15 million, with an 11-12 year payback period through increased revenue from accurate billing.
Public Comments
A survey of 400 voters from the April water rate increase election revealed that the primary reasons for voting 'no' were high costs, general distrust in municipal government, and belief that spending cuts were possible. Republican and independent voters largely opposed the increase, while Democrats supported it. Voters aged 60 and older were the only age group to approve the increase. Reasons for 'yes' votes included moving the city forward and important investments. Most voters received mailers, but younger demographics had less understanding of the project details. Water pipe replacement and groundwater treatment were considered the most important projects, while advanced water metering was less understood.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- State ARPA funds for non-profits expected to be announced in July.
Watch For
- Agreement for ARPA funds for the economic development incubator to be brought forward at the June 28th meeting.
- Development of a process and agreement with United Way for vetting and disbursing ARPA funds to other non-profits.
- Loan application and debt instrument request for the AMI meter replacement program.
Announcements
- Tiffany Verska, Communications Officer, was recognized for her work.
Agenda Summary
Item 1: Consideration of ordinance upon first reading by title implementing amendments throughout the Center City Form Based Code (CCFBC) document.
Review and vote on the initial reading of an ordinance to amend the Center City Form Based Code.
Item 2: Presentation by a representative from Amber Integrated of the water increase election survey results.
A presentation detailing the findings of a survey conducted to understand public sentiment regarding the recent water rate increase election.
Item 3: Discussion regarding recommendations from the Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB) regarding the disbursement of American Rescue Plan Act funds earmarked for economic development non-profits.
Discussion on EDAB's recommendation for allocating $1 million in ARPA funds for a business incubator project and a process for distributing another $1 million to other non-profits.
Item 4: Discussion regarding a loan application for funding from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to purchase Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters for a limited pilot program.
Discussion on pursuing grants and a loan to implement an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system for water meters, including options for phased or full implementation.