Meeting Summary
The city council held a study session to review updates on Norman Forward projects following the unsuccessful August 25th bond issue. Discussions focused on revised plans for the multi-sport and aquatic facility, relocation of the adult softball and football complex, and site selection for the Senior Wellness Center. Council members expressed concerns about funding shortfalls, the need for external agreements, and ensuring projects align with voter intent.
Upcoming Community Events
Griffin Park Phase 3 Completion Ribbon Cutting
Celebrated completion of Phase 3, included flat fields, extra restrooms, better parking.
Andrews Park Skate Park Ribbon Cutting
Financial Matters
Multi-Sport and Aquatic Facility
Revised project estimated cost $33.6-$34.5M, funded by Norman Forward, TIF, Young Family Foundation, and Norman Regional.
Senior Wellness Center
Full build-out estimated at $12.4M, leaving a $4.8M funding gap. Council to consider other funding options.
Reeves Park Adult Softball Improvements
Additional funding from the adult softball and football project to enhance adult softball fields.
Norman Forward Overall Shortfall
Projected shortfall by the end of the program due to sales tax revenue being 8% below original projections.
Completed Norman Forward Projects Savings
Total savings achieved on completed projects.
Park Maintenance Facility Savings
Projected savings on this individual Norman Forward project.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Council Retreat: October 17th
- Norman Forward Citizens Financial Oversight Board Annual Report: October 13th meeting
- CARES Act Funding Details to Council: Within 24 hours
Watch For
- Andrews Park Skate Park Ribbon Cutting
- Advanced Drafts of Purchase and Sales Agreement for University North Park (Multi-Sport Site)
- Memorandums of Understanding with Norman Regional Hospital (Senior Center)
- Negotiations on Real Property Transaction for City-Owned Land on Porter Campus (Senior Center)
- Various Pieces of Norman Forward Projects on Future Council Agendas
- Discussion on CARES Act Funding at Council Retreat
- Operator Selection for Multi-Sport and Aquatic Facility
- Scholarship Fund Development for Multi-Sport Facility
Announcements
- Ribbon cutting at Griffin Park on Saturday to celebrate Phase 3 completion.
- Andrews Park skate park ribbon cutting is getting close.
- Council retreat is October 16th-17th.
- Letters received from Norman Arts Council and Visit Norman asking for CARES Act funding assistance.
- Warren Theater is closing this week.
Agenda Summary
Update on Norman Forward Projects
Presentation and discussion on the status and revised plans for six major Norman Forward projects.
Multi-Sport and Aquatic Facility
Discussion of revised concept including an 8-lane by 25-yard pool, 4-lane warm-up pool, reduced spectator seating, and 8 basketball courts with Young Family Foundation and Norman Regional Hospital contributions.
Griffin Park Project
Discussion to continue the project as previously approved with an $11 million budget, excluding indoor soccer facility, additional lighting, new fields, and parking.
Adult Softball and Football Complex
Discussion of changes to relocate the adult softball and football practice facilities to Ruby Grant Park and Reeves Park due to insufficient budget for a standalone complex.
Ruby Grant Park Master Plan
Discussion of adding football practice areas, restrooms, and additional parking, consistent with the approved master plan.
Reeves Park Improvements
Discussion of enhancing adult softball fields, parking adjustments, and basic renovations to existing concession/restroom buildings, utilizing transferred funds.
Senior Wellness Center
Review of four site options on the Norman Regional Porter campus, with a recommendation for option 4 (southeast corner), and discussion of a $4.8 million funding gap for full build-out.