Meeting Summary
The special session focused on a presentation and review of the FY 2022 Capital Budget and the FY 2023-2026 Capital Improvements Financial Plan. Key discussions included the city's negative capital fund balance, the status of major ongoing projects, and future capital initiatives. Council members also discussed the implications of rising construction material costs and the potential for undergrounding utilities on Jenkins Avenue.
Financial Matters
FY 2022 City of Norman Capital Budget and FY 2023-2026 Capital Improvements Financial Plan
Presentation and review of the preliminary capital budget and financial plan, detailing funding sources (bonds, sales tax, user fees) and expenditures across various departments and projects.
Capital Fund Status
The capital fund is projected to be in a negative balance for FY21, FY22, and FY23, indicating that funding new projects would require reallocating funds from existing projects.
General Obligation Bond Sale (2019 GO Bond, second tranche)
Approximately $52 million in new bond revenue is budgeted for the coming fiscal year, with the actual timing dependent on project progress.
Transit and Park Maintenance Facility
An ongoing project with a total cost of approximately $8.5 million, with consideration for adding a vehicle wash facility if budget allows.
I-35 and Robinson Crossroads Project
A major infrastructure project underway, funded by University North Park TIF money and federal matching funds, aimed at alleviating traffic congestion.
Jenkins Avenue Utility Undergrounding
Preliminary estimates suggest a cost in the 'seven figures' to underground utilities on Jenkins Avenue, an expense not included in the original bond program and currently lacking a dedicated funding source.
Emergency Radio System
Nearing completion, with a final cost estimate of approximately $12 million out of a $13 million allocation.
Emergency Communications and Emergency Operations Center
Faces an estimated $9 million shortfall, with a recommendation to await adequate funding before proceeding. A potential $1 million from the radio system project could be reallocated.
Fire Apparatus Replacement Program
An ongoing program experiencing increasing costs, with a ladder truck initially planned at $1 million now estimated at $1.8 million.
Vehicle Replacement Program (FY22)
Approximately $2.2 million is allocated for replacing 33 units in FY22, significantly less than the 150 units requested.
Community and Neighborhood Improvements
A recurring program with $100,000 allocated for projects such as sidewalk and street light repairs, including potential work on Campus Corner.
Vineyard Flooding Improvement Project
Not funded by city funds in FY22; staff are pursuing a federal FEMA grant, with a 25% local match for engineering services already provided. Future council decision will be required for any additional match.
Public Comments
Council members discussed public feedback they had previously received regarding the potential undergrounding of utilities on Jenkins Avenue, driven by concerns over tree preservation and the high costs involved. There was also a discussion about the Vineyard flooding improvement project, which a citizen had raised concerns about regarding funding priorities.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Discussion on Enterprise funds, particularly water, at the May 18th study session.
- Further analysis and cost estimates for undergrounding utilities on Jenkins Avenue to be presented to council in a few months for a final decision.
- Evaluation of the city's fleet by Enterprise Fleet this summer to explore potential leasing options.
- Public engagement and design refinement for the Gray Street two-way conversion project in the next 12 months.
- Discussion on re-juggling 2019 transportation bond projects and potential federal funding applications for Gray Street and James Varner Phase 3 in September, with awards expected in December.
Agenda Summary
Presentation regarding the FY 2022 City of Norman Capital Budget and the Capital Improvements Financial Plan for FY 2023 through 2026
An overview of the preliminary capital budget, including funding sources, expenditures, and the status of ongoing and future capital projects across various departments.
Executive Session
A closed session following the capital budget presentation.