Meeting Summary
The city council held a study session to discuss a phased approach to lifting the stay-at-home order, receiving a presentation from Dr. Gary Raskob on COVID-19 transmission, testing, and White House reopening guidelines. Council members expressed a cautious approach, emphasizing the need for increased testing and contact tracing. The second major item was a review of the FYE 2021 capital budget and financial plan, where the council provided direction to move forward with funding the Transit and Fire Maintenance Facility and continuing design work for Norman Forward projects.
Key Decisions & Votes
Transit and Fire Maintenance Facility Funding
03:30Council provided direction to staff to prepare an agenda item for transferring approximately $2 million from various closed-out and delayed capital projects to fund the critical Transit and Fire Maintenance Facility. This decision leverages a $5 million federal grant and aims to ensure the facility is operational by December 31st.
Norman Forward A&E Design Contracts
03:50Council directed staff to prepare agenda items for Architectural & Engineering (A&E) contract amendments to continue design work for Norman Forward projects (Senior Wellness Center, Softball/Football Complex, Griffin Park, Reeves Park). A compromise was discussed to potentially delay the A&E amendment for the Indoor Aquatic Center and Multi-Sport Facility, the most expensive project, to mitigate financial risk given current economic uncertainties.
Financial Matters
Capital Improvement Fund Balance
The Capital Improvement Fund currently has a pay-as-you-go available balance of approximately $1.4 million, but projections show it going into the negative in future fiscal years.
Proposed FYE 2021 Capital Budget
The proposed budget projects $88.3 million in revenues and expenditures for the coming fiscal year, with significant portions from bond proceeds, utility user fees, and capital sales tax.
Capital Outlay Expenditures
Proposed capital outlay includes $400,000 for computer replacements, $2,150,000 for critical Fleet Replacements (less than needed), and $930,000 for various departmental requests including cybersecurity, traffic signals, and police/fire equipment.
Transit and Fire Maintenance Facility Funding
The city received a $5 million federal grant for the facility and plans to transfer approximately $2 million from closed-out and delayed capital projects to cover the remaining cost.
2012 Transportation Bond Program Shortfall
A $5 million overrun on the Lindsay Street project, primarily due to land acquisition costs and a change in storm pipeline discharge requirements by ODOT, created a shortfall. Savings from other bond projects are proposed to address this.
Norman Forward Sales Tax Shortfall
The Norman Forward sales tax fund is estimated to have a current revenue shortfall of $3 million, projected to be $8 million over its 15-year life, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
A&E Contract Amendments for Norman Forward Projects
Proposed amendments to Architectural & Engineering contracts to continue design work for Norman Forward projects, with costs including approximately $250,000 for the Indoor Aquatic Center and Multi-Sport Facility, $100,000 for the Senior Wellness Center, $100,000 for the Softball/Football Complex, $100,000 for Griffin Park, and $50,000 for Reeves Park.
Alam and Summit Lakes Boulevard Traffic Signal
The project received 100% federal funding totaling $217,000 for a new traffic signal, with construction anticipated to start in October 2020.
Westwood Golf Cart Replacement Program
An ongoing program to replace one-third of the golf cart fleet annually from the capital fund, despite concerns about the Westwood fund's ability to cover its own operating costs.
Public Comments
A community input survey received nearly 12,000 responses, indicating mixed opinions on reopening. 55% favored extending stay-at-home orders, while 51% supported a phased approach. Common themes included the need for comprehensive testing, continued social distancing, and mandatory masks. Economic concerns for local businesses and the desire for science- and data-driven decisions were also prominent.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Historic Museum parking project (due to concerns about the Room Tax Fund's ability to meet obligations).
Deadlines
- May 15th: Potential new deadline for filing an appeal regarding the University North Park (UNP) Tiff.
Watch For
- Further updates on COVID-19 testing capacity and contact tracing capabilities.
- Governor's plan for reopening the state.
- Agenda item for transferring funds to the Transit and Fire Maintenance Facility.
- Agenda items for Norman Forward A&E contract amendments.
- Discussion on the UNP Tiff appeal resolution and potential impacts on the general fund.
- Potential federal infrastructure bill and its impact on local projects.
- Five-year renewal of road maintenance projects (next calendar year).
Announcements
- Norman Arts Council and Norman Parks and Recreation are launching a 'Make Your Mark' initiative for chalk art on the retaining wall north of Sutton Wilderness, allowing sign-ups for socially distanced appointments.
Agenda Summary
Discussion regarding a phased approach to lifting the stay-at-home order
Dr. Gary Raskob presented on the timeline of COVID-19 in Oklahoma, transmission mechanisms, lab testing, and the White House's 'Opening Up America Again' guidelines, including gating criteria and Phase One recommendations. Council members discussed local testing capacity, contact tracing, the economic impact, and public survey results.
Discussion regarding the FYE 2021 city of Norman capital budget and the Capital Improvements financial plan for FYE 2022 through 2025
Anthony Francisco presented the proposed capital budget, outlining projected revenues and expenditures across various funds. Key discussions included funding for the Transit and Fire Maintenance Facility, addressing shortfalls in the 2012 Transportation Bond program, vehicle replacement, and continuing Architectural & Engineering (A&E) design contracts for Norman Forward projects.