Meeting Summary
The City Council approved an incremental increase to waterline connection fees over two years, aiming to better fund water system capacity expansion. They also reaffirmed the sister city relationship with Clermont-Ferrand, France, and approved appeals for the demolition and construction of a new apartment building at 209 West Apache Street, as well as a special use permit for a brewery at 205 East Main Street. Significant discussion also revolved around the proposed Kickapoo Turnpike extension and the location of a new homeless drop-in facility.
Key Decisions & Votes
Waterline Connection Fee Increase
3:20:00An ordinance was adopted to increase the water connection portion of the connection fee. The initial increase will be effective in 30 days, raising the 3/4" meter fee to $1,525. An additional increase, effective April 22, 2023, will further raise the 3/4" meter fee to $1,775, with proportional increases for other meter sizes.
Demolition Permit Appeal for 209 West Apache Street
3:34:00An appeal of the temporary administrative delay was approved, allowing the submittal of a demolition application for the dwelling structure at 209 West Apache Street.
Construction Permit Appeal for 209 West Apache Street
3:39:00An appeal of the temporary administrative delay was approved, allowing the submittal of a permit application for the construction of a six-unit apartment building with a rear parking area at 209 West Apache Street, featuring accessible ground-floor units and stormwater mitigation.
Special Use Permit for 205 East Main Street (405 Brewing)
3:57:00A special use permit was granted for a bar/lounge/tavern and a mixed-use building at 205 East Main Street, allowing 405 Brewing to occupy the downstairs and a large loft apartment upstairs, with plans for historic restoration and patios.
Opposition to Kickapoo Turnpike Extension
2:07:00Resolution 2122-106 was adopted, declaring the need for further study of Access Oklahoma's impact on Lake Thunderbird, citing a lack of information to support the Kickapoo Turnpike extension, and expressing the city's opposition to the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority's plan as it impacts Norman.
Upcoming Community Events
Sister Cities Chat
Practice French/English over Zoom, free, organized through Pioneer Library Systems.
Ward 1/6 Joint Water Rate Increase Meeting
6:30 PM at the East Side Library, 3051 Alameda Street.
Community Garden Volunteering (Red Dirt Collective)
10 AM, Community Commons Park off Beaumont (1909 Beaumont). Alternating Saturdays and Sundays.
Ward 2/4 Joint Water Rate Increase Meeting
6:30 PM at the Central Library.
Rally at State Capitol (Turnpike Opposition)
Details on Facebook page.
Facebook Live (Water Rate Increase & Turnpike Mental Health)
Hosted by Councilmember Tortorello.
Medieval Fair
Reeves Park.
Norman Music Festival
Reeves Park.
Arbor Day Observance
3 PM in Andrews Park, with a tree planting and presentation.
19th Annual Earth Day Festival
Noon to 5 PM in Andrews Park.
Green Norman Eco Month Activities
Various locations, free public events. Find events on greennorman.org.
Compost Facility Distribution
Norman compost facility.
Financial Matters
Building Maintenance Facility Lease
Proposed 5-year lease for a new facility for building maintenance, with an estimated annual cost including base rent and additional fees.
Porter Avenue Streetscape Bond Project Easements (Bradley K Goodman)
Acceptance of permanent and temporary easements.
Porter Avenue Streetscape Bond Project Easements (Bradley K Goodman)
Acceptance of permanent and temporary easements.
Porter Avenue Streetscape Bond Project Easements (BIP LLC)
Acceptance of permanent and temporary easements.
Porter Avenue Streetscape Bond Project Easements (BIP LLC)
Acceptance of permanent and temporary easements.
Porter Avenue Streetscape Bond Project Easements (Goodman Investments LLC)
Acceptance of permanent and temporary easements.
Porter Avenue Streetscape Bond Project Easements (Goodman Investments LLC)
Acceptance of permanent and temporary easements.
Porter Avenue Streetscape Bond Project Easements (Goodman Investments LLC)
Acceptance of permanent and temporary easements.
Porter Avenue Streetscape Bond Project Easements (Goodman Investments LLC)
Acceptance of permanent and temporary easements.
Porter Avenue Streetscape Bond Project Easements (North Porter Center LLC)
Acceptance of permanent and temporary easements.
Porter Avenue Streetscape Bond Project Easements (North Porter Center LLC)
Acceptance of permanent and temporary easements.
Porter Avenue Streetscape Bond Project Easements (Wholesale Gasoline Incorporated)
Acceptance of permanent and temporary easements.
Porter Avenue Streetscape Bond Project Easements (Wilson Company LLC)
Acceptance of permanent and temporary easements.
Certified Local Governments Program 22-23 Application
Application for funding to be submitted to the Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office.
Change Order 1 to Contract 2021-12 (2015 Water Wells and Lions Project)
Increasing contract amount by $54,596 and adding 325 calendar days for the project, with a final payment of $164,437.17.
Change Order 3 to Contract 2021-53 (Porter and Acres Intersection 2019 Bond Project)
Increasing contract amount by $142,712.42 and adding 32 days for various changes to project design.
Amendment 3 to Contract 2021-115 (Senior Wellness Center Construction)
Increasing contract amount by $1,295,200 for construction services.
Change Order 1 to Contract 2122-3 (Urban Concrete Project FYE 2022)
Increasing contract amount by $109,659.74 and adding 14 calendar days for the project.
Change Order 2 to Contract 2122-59 (Imhoff Bridge Emergency Repair Project)
Increasing contract amount by $358,176.17 for the emergency repair project and budget appropriation.
ADA Ramp Repair Project FYE 2022
Bid contract and associated bonds with Rudy Construction Company.
OG&E Growth Grant
Acceptance of a grant from OG&E to purchase supplies for Great American Cleanup activities.
Public Comments
Public comments primarily focused on the proposed water connection fee increase, with some arguing it's still too low and constitutes a subsidy for new development, while others (especially from the builders association) warned it would exacerbate the affordable housing crisis and deter development. There was also a suggestion to invest in a compost sifter and bagger to generate revenue.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- April 5th elections (Ward 4 runoff, Mayor, Water Rate Increase, School Board runoff)
Watch For
- Lease agreement for new building maintenance facility (April)
- Conversations about sale of current building maintenance facility to Factory Obscura (second week in April)
- Master plan for North Base development
- Gibbs House homeless drop-in facility operational (late spring)
- 988 mental health crisis line rollout (July)
- Water rate increase vote (April 5th)
- Stormwater utility discussion
- OTA meeting (March 29th)
- Federal funding discussions in Washington D.C. (next Tuesday)
Announcements
- The sister city relationship with Clermont-Ferrand, France, was reaffirmed on its 28th anniversary, with Mayor Clark presenting a key to the city to Mayor Olivier Bianchi.
- A 'Sister Cities Chat' for French and English practice over Zoom, organized by Pioneer Library Systems, will begin next Tuesday.
- Ward 1 and Ward 6 will hold a joint water rate increase meeting on March 23 at 6:30 PM at the East Side Library.
- The Red Dirt Collective's community garden at 1909 Beaumont (Community Commons Park) is seeking volunteers every weekend for the next seven weeks, starting March 27th at 10 AM.
- Ward 2 and Ward 4 will hold a joint water rate increase meeting on March 24 at 6:30 PM at the Central Library.
- An update on the Imhoff Road Bridge project indicated progress, with hopes for an opening this week despite recent rain delays.
- Councilmember Hall remembered Susan Atkinson, a former city planner who made significant contributions to historic preservation in Norman, who passed away on March 7th.
- A rally against the Kickapoo Turnpike extension is scheduled for March 23 at the State Capitol.
- Councilmember Tortorello will host a Facebook Live on March 24 to discuss the water rate increase and the mental health aspects of the turnpike project.
- The Medieval Fair and Norman Music Festival are returning this year after a two-year hiatus.
- Councilmember Holman will be in Washington D.C. on March 29 with a delegation to discuss federal funding and Norman issues.
- Norman's compost facility will begin its first distribution of compost to residents on March 26 at 8 AM.
Agenda Summary
Building Maintenance Facility Relocation
Discussion regarding the need for a new facility for building maintenance as Factory Obscura is moving into their current location, and a proposal to lease a new building.
Homeless Drop-in Facility / Shelter Location
Discussion about the State Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse renovating Gibbs House into a homeless drop-in facility, including concerns about its proximity to Lamonde School and the Sex Offender Registration Act.
Approval of Minutes
Consideration of approval, rejection, amendment, and/or postponement of various City Council, Norman Utilities Authority, Norman Municipal Authority, and Norman Tax Increment Finance Authority minutes from November 2021 to February 2022.
Resolution 2122-87 - James O. Harp Environmental Recognition Award
A resolution awarding the inaugural James O. Harp Environmental Recognition Award posthumously to James O. Harp for his community service and leadership in recycling.
Proclamation 2122-25 - Arbor Day
A proclamation of the Mayor proclaiming Sunday, April 24, 2022, as Arbor Day in the City of Norman, recognizing the city's 20th consecutive year as a Tree City USA.
Proclamation 2122-26 - Earth Day and Green Norman Eco Month
A proclamation of the Mayor proclaiming Friday, April 22, 2022, as Earth Day and March 19 through May 7, 2022, as Green Norman Eco Month.
Consent Docket Items 6-40 (excluding 28)
A collection of routine agenda items including financial reports, departmental reports, contract and change order reports, easements for the Porter Avenue Streetscape bond project, final plats, funding applications, contract extensions, change orders for various construction projects, a grant acceptance, and a resolution opposing the Kickapoo Turnpike extension.
Ordinance 2122-40 - Waterline Connection Fees
Second and final reading of an ordinance amending section 21-107 B of chapter 21 of the code of the city of Norman, increasing waterline connection fees and charges.
Resolution 2122-102 - Demolition Appeal (209 West Apache Street)
A resolution approving an appeal of the temporary administrative delay to allow the submittal of a demolition application for the dwelling structure at 209 West Apache Street.
Resolution 2122-1 - Construction Appeal (209 West Apache Street)
A resolution approving an appeal of the temporary administrative delay to allow the submittal of a permit application for the construction of an apartment building with a rear parking area at 209 West Apache Street.
Ordinance 2122-36 - Special Use Permit (205 East Main)
Second and final reading of an ordinance granting special use for a bar/lounge/tavern and a special use for a mixed building in the C3 Intensive Commercial District for Lot 3, Block 14, Norman Original Townsite.