Meeting Summary
The city council received a presentation from the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) on the Access Oklahoma plan, which was met with strong opposition from council members due to concerns about environmental impact, resident displacement, and lack of prior public engagement. The council also continued discussions on relocating the warming shelter, directing staff to conduct further due diligence on policy changes and inter-agency agreements before making a final decision.
Key Decisions & Votes
OTA Right-of-Way Policy Adoption
nullThe OTA board adopted an updated right-of-way policy, largely consistent with previous policy but with formatting changes and clarifications for appraisal review and utility relocations, to ensure uniformity across the bond program and capital purchases.
Warming Shelter Relocation
nullCouncil directed staff to pursue discussions with the Department of Mental Health, amend shelter policies for sex offender screening, seek Oklahoma Department of Commerce approval for a location change, and develop an RFP for a shelter operator. A final decision on relocation is pending these steps.
Upcoming Community Events
OTA Access Oklahoma Public Meeting - Noble
OTA Access Oklahoma Public Meeting - Newcastle
OTA Access Oklahoma Public Meeting - Norman
Central Library
OTA Access Oklahoma Public Meeting - Moore
Financial Matters
OTA Bond Rating
Oklahoma Turnpike Authority currently holds a AA- bond rating.
OTA Toll Rates
OTA toll rates are 60% below the national average for passenger vehicles and 64% below for heavy trucks.
OTA Program Manager Contract
A $4.9 million contract for program management was approved, funded by OTA's internal funds, not tax dollars.
Warming Shelter Grant Funding
Current grant funding for the warming shelter expires at the end of August.
ARPA State Funding for New Shelter
City has applied for ARPA state funding to build a new shelter, with notification anticipated in July.
Public Comments
Significant public concern and opposition were expressed regarding the OTA Access Oklahoma plan, focusing on potential environmental damage to Lake Thunderbird and the watershed, displacement of residents, lack of transparency, and the project's long-term impact on the city's character. For the warming shelter, concerns about safety near schools were discussed, alongside the need for comprehensive solutions for the homeless population.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Final decision on warming shelter relocation
Deadlines
- Warming shelter grant expires August 31st
- ARPA state funding notification expected in July
Watch For
- OTA environmental studies results (expected in approximately 1 year)
- Staff report on warming shelter policy amendments and inter-agency discussions
- RFP for warming shelter operator
Agenda Summary
Discussion and presentation from the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority regarding the Access Oklahoma Turnpike Plan
Presentation by OTA officials on the proposed Access Oklahoma plan, including widening existing turnpikes and new alignments, particularly the south extension and east-west connector impacting Norman.
Continued discussion regarding the relocation of the warming shelter
Discussion on verifying registered sex offender status for shelter guests, communication with Le Monde school, and next steps for potential relocation.