James Briggs

This document, functioning as an Evidence of Indebtedness Form, outlines the City of Norman, Oklahoma's strategic direction through current and proposed bond-funded projects. Key priorities include significant investments in street and road improvements, bridge construction and rehabilitation, and the establishment of new community facilities such as a homeless shelter. The plan also covers ongoing enhancements to existing municipal infrastructure, public safety systems, and other vital city services, detailing specific projects and their funding allocations over various bond election cycles.

The meeting included the administration of the oath of office and seating of Council Member Elect Robert Bruce for Ward Three. A resolution honoring and recognizing Jennifer Baker for her exceptional contributions to arts education and her receipt of the Arts and Education Award at the 46th Governor's Arts Awards was unanimously adopted. Awards were presented to city employees for 25 years of continuous service, following a moment of condolence for Carl Leanus, a recently passed water treatment plant operator. Council announcements included congratulations to award recipients from the annual chamber awards event, discussion on an upcoming bond election, and recognition of new volunteers for various committees. The consent docket, comprising items 4 through 26, was approved unanimously, with Council Member Peacock abstaining from item number five due to a professional conflict. The session concluded with the introduction of non-consent item number 27, an ordinance regarding the removal of a tract of land from the code.

The conference agenda focused solely on an update regarding the financial status of the Norman Forward program, presented by the director of parks and wreck. Discussions included projections for the remaining fund balance based on conservative growth estimates and anticipated debt service schedules extending to 2032. The director listed five remaining Norman Forward projects: Canadian River Park, neighborhood park renovations, new neighborhood parks, Saxon Park, and trail development. Several potential projects for utilizing any remaining fund balance were proposed, including the purchase of wilderness land (estimated at $3 million), upgrading sports facilities (like splitting the original softball/football park project into Ree Park and Ruby Grant Park improvements), and land acquisition for future development (estimated at $2.5 million for 40-60 acres). Specific proposals included developing Blue Stem (a new park), updates to Ree Park (replacing Kid Space and adding a Miracle Field, estimated at $2.5 million total), improvements at Andrews Park (including pond construction and a restroom building, estimated at $2.75 million), and investing in the Young Family Athletic Center (specifically adding a weight/workout space, estimated at $2 million for the waiting room portion, with potential cost-sharing). The financial update also touched upon the current debt service payment of approximately $400,000 annually from the guest tax.

The meeting covered the presentation of the January public transit report, noting a decrease in overall ridership compared to the previous year, potentially due to weather conditions, though mobility device use increased. Key discussion points included updates on vehicle procurement, specifically potential cost increases due to tariffs affecting three large buses on order. The committee reviewed historical context regarding the transit service transition from OU in 2019, including significant infrastructure projects like the maintenance facility and the adoption of the Go Norman Transit Plan. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the Fiscal Year 2027 budget projections, noting revenues largely driven by FTA grants and sales tax, while exploring approximately $170,000 in proposed savings from reduced fleet maintenance staffing. The presentation highlighted an unbudgeted projected surplus of $589,000 and the importance of maintaining a fund balance for unexpected events, such as a recent uninsured bus accident. Forward-looking items not included in the current budget included the continuation of the Norman On Demand microtransit service ($518,000 net cost after university contribution) and funding required to increase frequency on Route 110, as well as concerns about the potential discontinuation of Route 24 service between Oklahoma City and Norman.

The discussion focused on developing incentive programs for historic districts, primarily exploring funding mechanisms beyond Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). Key considerations included utilizing Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenue streams, potentially to establish historic district preservation grant programs or revolving loan programs, which could offer long-term sustainability, such as first-time homebuyer assistance. The committee also reviewed processes for creating TIF districts, noting criticisms regarding insufficient early citizen input compared to past examples like the UNP TIF. Further review is scheduled to educate the council on CDBG options, including Section 108 loans, and to establish a uniform application and review process for future TIF district proposals that aligns with city goals, referencing policy frameworks from Fort Worth and Topeka/Shawnee County (THA Kansas).