Meeting Summary
The City Council received updates on two major projects. The 36th Avenue NW widening project faces a significant federal funding gap, but new federal infrastructure programs offer potential solutions to advance its construction. Discussions also covered the draft operator agreement for the new Senior Wellness Center, outlining its services, budget, and timeline towards a late 2021 groundbreaking.
Financial Matters
36th Avenue Northwest Widening Project
Total project cost estimated at $17 million. $5.4 million in local bond funds are in the bank, but $11.5 million in federal matching funds are needed. Original 2012 bond program was $89 million total, with $42 million local and $46 million federal funds. Current program total is closer to $102 million with $54 million federal funds anticipated. Phase one of the project is estimated at $8 million.
Senior Wellness Center Budget
Current project budget is $12.4 million, supplemented by freed-up funds last fall.
Senior Wellness Center Operator Subsidy
City to cover utility costs (100% year 1, 60% year 2, 30% year 3), janitorial costs (first 3 years), lawn and landscaping (first 5 years), and pool maintenance (first 5 years). Maximum annual city contribution is $125,000. City is responsible for capital items over $5,000.
Traffic Management Center (TMC)
Voters approved $350,000 in 2019 bond funds to leverage approximately $3 million in federal funds for the TMC, which was recently granted.
Indian Hills / I-35 Interchange Incentive
City council approved approximately $2 million in local funding as an incentive to advance a federal interstate highway project.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- 36th Avenue NW project design completion: June
- 36th Avenue NW eminent domain process completion: June
- American Rescue Plan Act first allocation to Norman: Mid-May
Watch For
- Federal 'Build Back Better' infrastructure program details (expected soon)
- 36th Avenue NW project bid (if funding secured): August
- 36th Avenue NW project construction start (if funding secured): October
- Senior Wellness Center MOU on April 13th agenda
- Senior Wellness Center groundbreaking: Late October/Early November
- Senior Wellness Center construction completion: 12 months after groundbreaking
- Traffic Management Center (TMC) development: 2021, operational in 2022
- I-35/Indian Hills interchange fully funded by ODOT: 2024
Agenda Summary
Update on the 36th Avenue Northwest Widening Project
Presentation on the background, scope, funding challenges, and potential new federal funding sources for the 36th Avenue Northwest widening project, which is currently shovel-ready but lacks federal matching funds.
Discussion regarding the operator agreement for the Senior Wellness Center
Update on the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Healthy Living and Fitness for the operation of the new Senior Wellness Center, including facility design, services, budget, and city subsidy details.