Regular meeting
The Norman City Council voted to approve a financial services agreement for the proposed University North Park tax increment finance district, approve a substantial amendment to the Community Development Block Grant for the addition of two neighborhoods and close the Daws Street right-of-way.
Daws Street closure
Council voted 6-1 to approve the closure of the Daws Street right-of-way to complete redesign plans, with Ward 5 Councilmember Michael Nash voting against it.
According to a staff report, the closure should not change the current configuration of Daws Street and Porter Avenue and will preserve utility easement. The staff report notes the full redesign is intended to discourage commercial traffic usage on residential streets.
Jerry’s LLC and adjacent property owner, the Linze Trust, requested the closure.
Community development block grant action plan hearing
Council unanimously approved a substantial amendment to the community development block grant third year action plan. The substantial amendment proposes acquiring office equipment for Bethesda, Inc., a Norman-based nonprofit that seeks to heal trauma from childhood sexual abuse through free therapy, education and prevention services.
According to a staff report, Bethesda, Inc. experienced decreased fundraising activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic and have requested funds for office equipment in its existing location and for its future location. The report notes the request falls under substantial amendment two, which includes the acquisition of equipment.
The request was reviewed and approved by the Community Development Block Grant Policy Committee on March 3, 2024, according to the staff report.
Community development block grant hearing
Council unanimously approved a substantial amendment to the community development block grant fifth year action plan. The amendment proposes adding the First Courthouse and Old Silk Stocking neighborhoods.
According to a staff report, a substantial amendment includes increasing funding for an activity or program by 50% or more, changing the scope, location, beneficiaries or purpose of the program or activity, or changing the types of beneficiaries when 50% of the original beneficiary types will be changed. The report notes this substantial amendment changes the location to include the two neighborhoods and does not increase the amount of funding, which is currently listed as $230,000.
The Community Development Block Grant Program is transitioning into a strong neighborhoods initiative program, which would include the two additional neighborhoods alongside the Original Townsite Neighborhood, according to the report.
The community development block grant policy committee unanimously approved the substantial amendment on Feb. 7 and recommended the request to council, according to the staff report.
Financial services agreement with CoAlign group
Council approved a financial services agreement with COAlign Group, a development consultant, in the consent docket. The agreement is for continued analysis of the proposed University North Park tax increment finance district.
According to a staff report, the city first met with COAlign Group to help analyze the finances of the proposed UNP TIF district in the summer of 2023. While contracts were originally priced below $25,000 and work was expected to last a few weeks, the staff report notes payment will probably exceed $25,000 and work has lasted months.
According to contract negotiations between COAlign Group and the city listed on Tuesday’s agenda, the city paid an initial $5,000 fee while agreeing to pay $5,000 per month of services. The contract notes payment should not exceed $100,000 overall.
Special meeting
The Norman City Council discussed the sale of property located in the 100 block of West Gray Street at its special meeting.
Executive session
Council entered executive session to discuss litigation for the acquisition of right-of-way for a 60th Avenue NE bridge project.
In December 2022, the 60th Avenue NE bridge was closed after structural concerns were found. An engineering firm began designing replacement plans, with initial costs projected from $3-4 million.
In October 2023, Norman voters approved a $50 million bridge maintenance program to replace and repair 18 bridges across the city. A press release at the time cited the 60th Avenue NE bridge closure as one of the major bridge failures.
West Gray Street property sale
Council discussed the possible sale of property located in the 100 block of West Gray Street.
City attorney Kathryn Walker said the property occupies three buildings and an empty lot on the north side of Gray Street, including the Gray Street homeless shelter, and a lot on the south side of Gray Street.
Walker said the property would sell for 1.17 million if improved and $1.03 million if vacant. She added the city bought the property for $1.65 million in 2011.
According to Walker, the money from a sale would go to the city’s general fund.
Improvements to the property would include removing asbestos from the Gray Street homeless shelter, according to Walker. Parks and Recreation Director Jason Olsen said removing the asbestos would cost $60,000.
According to Investopedia, a request for proposal is a public announcement by an organization requesting bids from contractors to complete a project.
