Meeting Summary
The City Council approved moving forward with incorporating aesthetics and public art, including a roundabout art piece and bridge enhancements, into the James Garner Boulevard project, utilizing a significant project surplus. Several proclamations were acknowledged, celebrating Black History Month, Lunar New Year, and Random Acts of Kindness Day. A controversial appeal to allow the demolition of a residential structure at 201 West Apache Street was denied.
Key Decisions & Votes
James Garner Boulevard Project Aesthetics and Public Art
00:51:30Council supported moving forward with incorporating proposed aesthetics and public art, including bridge enhancements and a roundabout art piece, into the James Garner Boulevard Phase 2 project, utilizing project savings.
Minutes Approval
00:55:30Minutes from the January 18, 2022, City Council, NUA, NMA, and NTIF meetings were approved unanimously.
Black History Month Proclamation
00:56:00The Mayor's proclamation declaring February 2022 as Black History Month was acknowledged.
Lunar New Year Proclamation
01:00:00The Mayor's proclamation declaring February 1st-15th, 2022 as Lunar New Year was acknowledged.
Random Acts of Kindness Day Proclamation
01:03:00The Mayor's proclamation declaring Thursday, February 17, 2022, as Random Acts of Kindness Day was acknowledged.
Consent Docket
01:14:00Items 5 through 16 on the consent docket, covering various administrative and financial matters, were approved unanimously.
Demolition Permit Appeal for 201 West Apache Street
01:24:00An appeal to allow the submittal of a demolition application for the dwelling structure at 201 West Apache Street, despite claims of safety and structural issues, was denied by the council.
Upcoming Community Events
Ribbon Cutting for Transit Public Safety and Park Maintenance Facility
3:00 PM
Second Friday Art Walk in Historic Downtown Norman
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Random Acts of Kindness Day
Financial Matters
James Garner Boulevard Project Funding and Costs
City funding (including railroad quiet zone and NUA money) is approximately $6.5 million. Federal funds secured are approximately $4.8 million, totaling $11.4 million in funding. Phase 1 was completed at about $1.9 million, and current projected costs for Phase 2 are about $1.6 million, with a total project cost of about $8.5 million, resulting in a project surplus of approximately $2.85 million.
Proposed Aesthetics and Public Art for James Garner Boulevard
Budget for aesthetics and LED lighting is approximately $215,000. A plug-in number for the roundabout public art piece is $200,000, totaling approximately $415,000 for these enhancements.
Donation to Norman Fire Department
Acceptance of a donation from the J M Williams Revocable Trust.
Amendment #2 to Contract 1718-110 with Signs LLC
Increasing contract for additional consulting services for the Planning and Community Development Department.
Amendment #2 to Contract 1920-33 with Clean Earth of Alabama Inc.
Increasing contract to add a paint collection event for citizens.
Change Order #1 to Contract 2021-90 with D O N Construction LLC
Decreasing contract for the FYE 2021 Merkel Creek Drainage Improvement Project, with final acceptance and payment.
Change Order #1 to Contract 2122-24 with Southwest Waterworks LLC
Increasing contract and adding 75 calendar days for the Flood Avenue Water Line Replacement Project.
Change Order #2 to Contract 2122-33 with GNS Signed Services
Increasing contract for Wayfinding Phase One upgrades to Lindsay Street and around the municipal complex.
Resolution 2122-89
Appropriating funds from the general fund balance and capital fund balance, and transferring funds from the sanitation utility effluent truck wash facility project for the construction of the North Base Phase 2 Vehicle Wash Facility Project.
Public Comments
Two citizens provided comments. One discussed the upcoming budget process, opportunities for federal infrastructure funds, and the need for training in grant writing, also raising concerns about safety at the warming shelter following a homicide and employee resignations, suggesting camera installation. The other speaker, the attorney for the denied demolition permit, reiterated safety and structural concerns about the property at 201 West Apache Street, emphasizing it is uninhabitable and a public safety liability.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Federal funds for James Garner Boulevard Phase 2 must be obligated before October.
- Plans and estimates for James Garner Boulevard Phase 2 must be submitted 90 days before the bid opening.
- Projected bid opening for James Garner Boulevard Phase 2 is in late spring for construction in summer 2022.
Watch For
- Final package for James Garner Boulevard aesthetics and public art for council approval at a future conference.
- Discussions on other Norman Forward projects to utilize the project surplus funds.
- The Center City Administrative Delay Committee's work on proposed changes to the form-based code, specifically addressing residential corner lots.
Announcements
- Councilmember Studly reported on ongoing issues with the Summit Lakes dam, including increased repair costs, and expressed disappointment in the Cleveland County Sheriff's Department's use of drones in homeless encampments. She also read a citizen's email detailing an alleged incident with Councilmember Lynn.
- Councilmember Schuler addressed resident concerns about traffic congestion caused by the new Dutch Brothers on Main Street, noting the city is aware and planning signage, while monitoring the situation for 30 days. He also reminded citizens about election day.
- Councilmember Lynn responded to the citizen's email, calling it 'nonsense' and stating that the police and DA investigated and dispelled the claims. He expressed forgiveness and wished good luck to all election candidates.
- Councilmember Hall announced upcoming meetings: Center City Administrative Delay Committee (Feb 10, 11:30 AM), Oversight Committee (Feb 10, 4 PM), a ribbon cutting for the Transit Public Safety and Park Maintenance Facility (Feb 11, 3 PM), and the return of the Second Friday Art Walk in Historic Downtown Norman (Feb 11, 6-9 PM).
- Councilmember Foreman thanked Ward 6 for the opportunity to serve and acknowledged election day.
- Councilmember Holman emphasized the importance of local elections and announced the recent ribbon cutting for the new Household Hazardous Waste Facility, which now offers year-round drop-off by appointment.
Agenda Summary
Discussion regarding the James Garner Boulevard project aesthetics/public art
Presentation on the history, funding, design, and proposed aesthetics for Phase 2 of the James Garner Boulevard project, including landscaping, bridge elements, lighting, and a public art piece for the roundabout. The project has a significant surplus.
Consideration of approval/rejection/amendment and/or postponement of minutes
Approval of City Council, Norman Utilities Authority, Norman Municipal Authority, and Norman Tax Increment Finance Authority minutes from January 18, 2022.
Proclamation 2122-20
A proclamation of the Mayor proclaiming February 2022 as Black History Month in the City of Norman.
Proclamation 2122-21
A proclamation of the Mayor proclaiming February 1st through February 15th, 2022 as Lunar New Year in the City of Norman.
Proclamation 2122-22
A proclamation of the Mayor proclaiming Thursday, February 17, 2022 as Random Acts of Kindness Day in the City of Norman.
Consent Docket Items 5-16
Includes rezoning, mayoral appointments, acceptance of a donation, declaration of surplus equipment, certificate of surveys with variances, and several contract amendments and change orders for various city projects.
Resolution 2122-88
Approving an appeal of the temporary administrative delay to allow the submittal of a demolition application for the dwelling structure at 201 West Apache Street.