Meeting Summary
The city council held a study session discussing several key issues. Major topics included the newly announced Access Oklahoma turnpike plan and its significant local impacts, a proposal to allocate ARPA funds for an economic development incubator, the potential sale of a city-acquired building to Cleveland County for health services, and the relocation of the temporary warming shelter. The council also addressed drainage improvements for the Noun Hotel on University Boulevard.
Key Decisions & Votes
ARPA Funds for Economic Development Incubator
01:21:00Council reached consensus to move forward with drafting an agreement to allocate $1 million in ARPA funds to the Norman Economic Development Coalition (NEDC) for the purchase of a building to house an incubator program, focusing on diverse businesses.
Sale of 718 North Porter Avenue
01:38:00Council reached consensus to pursue the sale of the 718 North Porter Avenue building to Cleveland County for use as clinic space, at its appraised value of $1.2 million.
Relocation of Warming Shelter
02:29:00Council reached consensus to move forward with investigating the vacant building on the Griffin property as a temporary relocation site for the warming shelter, pending further research into concerns regarding Lamonde Charter School's charter and legal implications.
University Boulevard Drainage Improvements
02:59:00Council reached consensus to move forward with a change order on the Porter and Acres intersection contract to implement drainage improvements on University Boulevard near the Noun Hotel, costing approximately $195,000, funded by surplus from the Lake Thunderbird TMDL monitoring project.
Upcoming Community Events
NEDC Ribbon Cutting and Building Dedication
Downtown
NEDC Economic Summit
Councilman Tortorello's Town Hall with OTA Deputy Director Joe Kelly
Crosspoint Church, off Highway 9 and 24th, 7 p.m.
Financial Matters
ARPA funds for NEDC incubator program
Proposed one-time capital investment for purchasing a building for an economic development incubator program.
Sale of 718 North Porter Avenue
Appraised value of the building, which Cleveland County is interested in purchasing for clinic space.
University Boulevard drainage improvements
Cost for stormwater pipeline installation, roadway/curb repair, and water line lowering near the Noun Hotel. Funded by surplus from the Lake Thunderbird TMDL monitoring project.
Public Comments
No formal public comments were taken during this study session. However, council members relayed significant constituent feedback and concerns on several agenda items.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- ARPA funds must be appropriated by 2024 and spent by 2026.
- Current warming shelter funding extends through August 2022.
Watch For
- Meeting with OTA Deputy Director Joey Kelly on March 29th regarding the Access Oklahoma turnpike plan.
- Staff to investigate charter school requirements and legal implications regarding the warming shelter relocation.
- Meeting with Shamika's office in mid-March regarding the opening of Gibbs House as a day resource center.
- Consideration of updating the Comprehensive Transportation Plan, Land Use Plan (Norman 2040/2045), and Sewer, Water, and Stormwater Master Plans.
Announcements
- NEDC Ribbon Cutting and Building Dedication downtown is tentatively scheduled for March 23rd.
- NEDC Economic Summit is tentatively scheduled for the week of May 23rd.
- Councilman Tortorello will host a town hall meeting with OTA Deputy Director Joe Kelly on Thursday at 7 p.m. at Crosspoint Church (off Highway 9 and 24th) to address public concerns regarding the turnpike.
Agenda Summary
Access Oklahoma Turnpike Plan
Presentation and discussion on the newly announced $5 billion Access Oklahoma turnpike program, its proposed routes through Norman (East-West connector and Kickapoo extension), and the significant concerns raised by council members regarding lack of public input, eminent domain, environmental impact on Lake Thunderbird watershed, and potential economic effects.
Discussion regarding ARPA funds for economic development
Presentation on a proposal to allocate $1 million in ARPA funds to the Norman Economic Development Coalition (NEDC) for the purchase of a building to establish an incubator program, with a focus on supporting women, minority, Native American, and veteran-owned businesses.
Discussion regarding a potential buyer for 718 North Porter Avenue
Discussion about the city-acquired building at 718 North Porter Avenue, appraised at $1.2 million, and a proposal from Cleveland County to purchase it for use as clinic space for health services.
Discussion regarding relocation of the warming shelter
Discussion on relocating the temporary warming shelter to a vacant building on the Griffin property, with an estimated cost under $10,000 for habitability. Concerns were raised regarding its proximity to Lamonde Charter School and potential impacts on its charter, as well as safety issues.
Discussion regarding University Boulevard drainage improvements
Request from the developer of the Noun Hotel for the city to address existing stormwater issues on University Boulevard near the hotel entrance. A proposal was made to use a change order on the existing Porter and Acres intersection contract for drainage improvements, costing approximately $195,000, funded by surplus from the Lake Thunderbird TMDL monitoring project.