December 2, 2016 - In This Issue:
WORKING TOGETHER
TO DELIVER EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE
December 2, 2016  Weekly report to the Mayor and City Council 

MONDAY
December 5
TU ESDAY
December 6
WEDNESDAY
December 7
THURSDAY
December 8
FRIDAY
December 9

6 p.m.
NPD Community Forum for Body Worn  Cameras


5:30 p.m.
City Council Study Session 


No Meeting

5 p.m.
Finance Committee

No Meeting


CITY MANAGER 
City Manager's Weekly Report Update

This Weekly Report is sent every Friday and serves as the City Manager's "update" to City Council on items that are useful for scheduling purposes and/or communicating with constituents on matters of interest. It also  provides details on special events, and  City-wide accomplishments. Some examples include:
  • Project kick-offs and completions
  • Initiatives that will affect service valued by our citizens
  • Construction updates
  • Updates on governmental relations, and
  • Special Recognitions for outstanding achievements

NORMAN FORWARD
Westwood Tennis Center

Merritt Track & Tennis finished placement of the two new outdoor courts at the tennis center last week. The new post-tensioned slab is curing this month as they continue work to install the new court lighting, fence, bleacher area and sidewalks for the facility. Court surface and line work will be completed after 30 days of cure, as weather permits. We are awaiting clearance from the FAA to proceed with the RFP for construction of the new indoor facility to replace the two existing courts just south of the pro shop entry (courts 6 & 7). That work will proceed over the winter. Both projects are part of the NORMAN FORWARD plan to expand the Westwood Tennis facility.

 

NEDC, GOVERNOR FALLIN MEET WITH AVARA EXECS
Avara Plans to Make Norman a "Center of Excellence"

NECD reported in their November 30 e-newsletter that they coordinated a lunch between Governor Mary Fallin and NEDC staff with Avara CEO Tim Tyson and CFO Keith Lyon. Avara purchased the Norman Astellas plant in August. There are about 200 employees located in the Norman operation. The Avara execs old Gov. Fallin their plan is to make Norman a "center of excellence." If the company meets its projections, it could potentially add employees at the Norman plant. This is part of NEDC's emphasis is on the job creation that leads to new money in the marketplace and a healthier overall economy.

EUROPEAN GUESTS VISIT NORMAN
NEDC Hosts New Consultants

NEDC hosted the State of Oklahoma's new consultants in Europe who are assisting the state in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Norman was selected as a site for a visit because of NEDC's participation with the FDI team, joining in 2016.The consultants, HMC Global out of Ireland, toured several areas of the community but spent most of their time at the National Weather Center and Radar Innovations Laboratory. Several ideas on targets in Europe for weather and radar-related industries were discussed along with other more general businesses in manufacturing, aerospace and business services. (from NEDC's November 30 e-newsletter.)

Havenbro ok Bridge Update
Bridge Must Be Permanently Repaired

In September, the bridge on Havenbrook Street over Brookhaven Creek was closed due to a collapse in the roadway. After the collapse, the bridge which was built in 1982, was determined to be structurally deficient and not capable of supporting traffic.  Staff researched all options and has determined the best and quickest option available is to replace the nine pipes of the current structure. The repair of the structure will use both in house and contracted services. Staff will be bringing forward change orders for both engineering and construction services for City Council consideration. On Tuesday Public Works crews began the demolition of the roadway and first four underlying pipes. This work will continue through the week of December 5, 2016. The photo below shows the demolition.


Despite a detailed inspection every two years, the problem with the stormwater pipes was not detected prior to the collapse because the bottoms of the pipes were buried under heavy soil and silt. 

SPECIAL YARD WASTE DROP OFF 
Compost Facility to Open Saturday, December 17

Because of the warmer than normal fall, Sanitation Services will open the Compost facility on Saturday, December 17 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for special drop off of leaves and other yard waste. The drop-off will be free for Norman residents. We will be announcing the special drop off next week.

TRAIN DEPOT RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT
Santa Fe Depot Has Rich History

The train depot reconstruction project continues with the repair of west gable and southwest corner structural issues. The concrete slab and curb associated with the south portion of the building was removed and will be poured next week.


The Norman Santa Fe Depot was built in 1909 and was designed in an interpretation of the Mission Revival style.It served the city until passenger service ended in 1979. During the 1980's, a concerned group of citizens oversaw the restoration of the depot. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. It resumed its original use when passenger service was restored to Norman in 1999. Today it serves the community, not only as the railway station for the Heartland Flyer, but as a gallery and concert venue. According to Amtrak, for FY 2014 the depot saw nearly 14,000 boardings/alightings. ( More depot history)

BODY-WORN CAMERA COMMUNITY FORUM
Community Forum Monday Evening

The Norman Police Department is hosting a community forum on body-worn cameras Monday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. They will explain the department's policy and procedures for use of the cameras and the plan for implementation. They will also answer question from residents.

ARTICLES
News Stories, Documents and Articles That May Be of Interest to City Council
  • Hampton, Joy. "Retired educator learns new lessons as mayor." Norman Transcript. 27 November 2016. See article
  • Wilmoth, Adam. "Economist: recovering oil industry and national economy are helping Oklahoma." The Oklahoman. 30 November 2016. See article
  • Hudgins, Matt. "Waiting for Washington." ICSC Shopping Center Today. 30 November 2016. See article
  • Troxel, Adam. "'Boren taps former Okla. senator as VP of governmental relations to fight education budget cuts." Norman Transcript. 2 December 2016. See article
  • Hampton, Joy. "City leaders get input ahead of new stormwater fee proposition." Norman Transcript. 2 December 2016. See article
  • Hampton, Joy. "Some Main Street merchants not buying proposal." Norman Transcript. 30 November 2016. See article
  • Submitted Content. "We Art Lindsey." Norman Transcript. 2 December 2016.  See article
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Resignations, Vacancies, Expired Terms (Members Still Serving), Upcoming Appointments and Reappointments     See Chart
CONSTRUCTION CHANGE ORDERS AUTHORIZED
None
FIRE
Incident Summary 
(11/24-11/30/16)

Fire Related
6
Overpressure rupture, explosion
0
Emergency Medical
183
Hazardous Condition
7
Service Call
25
Good Intent
40
False Alarm
17
Special Incident
2
Severe Weather
0
Total
280
PARKS

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
The final Christmas decorations were placed around the community in time for the Holiday Celebration at Andrews Park this evening at 5:30 p.m. Park maintenance also took care of several routine maintenance issues at Andrews Park in anticipation of the Holiday Celebration. 
BROOKHAVEN PARK 
Fredgren Quality Works began work Thursday to install the new gazebo at the park, replacing the structure that was destroyed earlier this year. The project was originally done by an Eagle Scout candidate; and his family has been working with us again to help fund the replacement structure. Work will be completed early next week, weather permitting. A new plaque has been ordered to thank the donors and honor the scout who helped with this project.

HALL PARK
Keyes Construction worked this week to replace one of the concrete access walks in the Doubletree addition that provides access to the walking trail in the neighborhood greenbelt. We worked last year to reconstruct the old asphalt trail in the greenbelt that was built behind the houses when this neighborhood was part of the Town of Hall Park.The remaining funds for the main trail construction were used to begin making repairs to the access walks located throughout the neighborhood. The remaining walks will be re-built as funding is made available in next fiscal year's park sidewalk repair project account.   
PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Residential and Commercial Activity (11/17-11/30/16 )      Detailed Report

Type Number  Combined Value Average Value
New single family residence permits
9
$2,470,380
$274,487
Residential additions or alterations permits
22 
(6 storm shelters)
$424,966

New single family residence applications
3
$1,710,000
$570,000
Two family residence applications
2 $434,340 $217,170
Demo applications (
2


PUBLIC WORKS

CAPITAL PROJECTS
SH-9E and Lindsey Interchanges on Interstate 35

Construction on the I-35/ SH-9E and Lindsey Street Interchanges Reconstruction Project began on Monday, March 2, 2015. This is a $72 million construction project awarded to Sherwood Construction Company of Tulsa, Oklahoma. ODOT is administering the construction of this project. 

Next week, weather permitting the contractor's activities will be as follows:
  • Continue to construct the bridge located on the east side of I-35, north of SH-9E
  • Continue laying sod along newly paved and graded I-35 northbound off ramps at Lindsey Street
  • Continue to reconstruct the Lindsey Street Bridge over I-35 center pier located in the middle of I-35
  • Continue to pave the SH-9 to northbound I-35 on ramp
  • Continue to place concrete pavement on Lindsey Street between I-35 and Ed Noble Parkway
  • Begin to place the asphalt base on Lindsey Street between I-35 and 24th Avenue SW
The photo below shows stabilizing the subgrade on Lindsey Street between I-35 and 24th Ave SW.


Lindsey Street Bond Project
Construction on the Lindsey Street Bond Project began on Tuesday, July 5, 2016. This is a $28.4 million construction project under construction by Sherwood Construction of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The contract time is set at 500 days with a $5,000 per day incentive and a maximum of 100 days. Completion of this project is estimated to be October 2017. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) is administering the construction of this project. 

Next week, the contractor's activities will be as follows:
  • Continue to install the temporary widening on the south side of Lindsey Street
  • Continue to install the drainage box on Lindsey Drive near Del Rancho
  • Continue to install the drainage box on Lindsey Street between Berry Road and Wylie Road
  • Continue to reconstruct SE corner of 24th Avenue SW & Lindsey Street Intersection
  • Continue to install the Imhoff Creek channel liner
  • Continue to construct the south half of Lindsey Street between 24th Avenue SW and Lindsey Drive
  • Continue sewer line relocation on the north side of the Wylie Road and Lindsey Street intersection
  • Begin pavement removal and grading for the inside lanes of the new roadway west of Berry Road
2013 CDBG-DR Project Groups 1 and 2
Construction on the CDBG-DR Groups 1 and 2 began on June 16th, 2016. Project Group 1 includes:
  • 84th Avenue NE from Tecumseh Road to Franklin Road
  • Tecumseh Road from 84th Avenue NE to 120th Avenue NE
  • 96th Avenue NE from south of Rock Creek Road to Tecumseh Road 
Project Group 2 includes:
  • 108th Avenue SE, both from Etowah Road to State Highway 9
  • 120th Avenue SE, both from Etowah Road to State Highway 9
The major focus of work now is reconstruction of 108th Avenue SE and 120th Avenue SE, both between Etowah Road and SH-9.
 
Next week the contractor's activities are as follows:
  • Continue AT&T utility relocations at various locations
  • Finish subgrade stabilization and begin paving on 108th Ave. SE between Post Oak Rd. and SH-9
  • Continue with cross drain installations on 102th Ave. SE between Etowah Rd. and Post Oak Rd.
Franklin Road Bridge over the Little River
Bids were opened by ODOT on October 20, 2016. The engineer's estimate was $2,736,637 and the low bidder was Frontier Bridge Company with a bid of $2,126,191 or approximately 77.7% of the engineer's estimate. The bid was awarded by the Transportation Commission on November 7, 2016. The contractor is expected to begin work the beginning of February 2017.
 
The project involves the following items:
  • Replaces existing 2-lane bridge over Little River
  • Replaces 2,000 feet of pavement on Franklin Road
  • Adds 10-foot shoulders to roadway
  • Reduces roadway flooding
  • Improves public safety and accessibility 
PUBLIC WORKS
DEVELOPMENT

Shops at Tecumseh Addition
The Shops at Tecumseh Addition is generally located at the southeast corner of the intersection of West Tecumseh Road and Thedford Drive and consists of approximately 8.4 acres. The proposed commercial property will consist of one (1) lot reduced from five (5) lots. The owners will pursue retail and professional offices. The large industrial lot will consist of mini-storage facilities.

PUBLIC WORKS
STREETS

2015 Street Maintenance Bond Program - Urban Concrete Arterial Streets
The FYE 2015 Urban Concrete Street portion of the 2010 Street Maintenance Bond Program was awarded to A-Tech Paving in the amount of $733,437 and approved by City Council on May 12, 2016. This work consists of select concrete panel replacement on Main Street between Berry Road and Park Drive. A-Tech is scheduled to resume work on Main Street between Flood Avenue and Berry Road on December 19 2016, in the east and westbound inside lanes. This work will be performed in conjunction with the Norman Public Schools winter break. 

PUBLIC WORKS
TRAFFIC
 
During the week of December 4, 2016, speed trailers will be deployed at the following locations:
  • Summit Lakes Boulevard, between Daybreak Drive and Edgewater Court (Ward 1)
  • Boyd Street, between Wylie Road and Berry Road (Ward 2)
  • Broad Acres Drive, between Robinson Street and Northridge Avenue (Ward 3)
Installation of New Traffic Signal at the intersection of 12 
Avenue NE (State Highway 77H/Sooner Road) and Indian Hills Road
The project will provide a new traffic signal at the intersection of 12  Avenue NE and Indian Hills Road. The contractor, Midstate Traffic Control of Oklahoma City, began construction on October 3, 2016 and has completed all the wheel chair ramps on all four corners of the intersection. The contractor has also completed the signal pole footings and pad for the traffic signal controller cabinet. Minor drainage improvement work will be completed this week. The new traffic signal was activated on November 28, 2016. City staff will conduct a final inspection and prepare a list of exceptions which the contractor will address in the near future. Contract time is set at 60 calendar days. The new traffic signal is anticipated to become operational in early-December of 2016.
 
The $200,230.75 project cost is being funded with 80% federal funds ($160,185) and 20% local funds ($40,046). The local portion of the cost is being funded by the City of Norman ($50%), the City of Moore ($25%) and Cleveland County (25%).
 
All work will be done under traffic with only an occasional lane closure. The photo below shows the new traffic signal poles at 12th Ave NE and Indian Hills Road.



Railroad Quiet Zone
Installation of the supplemental safety measures required for the Railroad Quiet Zone project began on August 18.
 
Construction of the raised median at the Brooks Street, Constitution Street, Lindsey Street and Tecumseh Road crossings has been completed and work at the Rock Creek Road crossing is currently underway and will be completed later this week. The median treatment is designed to further discourage drivers from driving around the crossing gates.
 
Supplemental safety measures at the remaining railroad crossings will be installed in the coming weeks. All work is anticipated to be completed by mid-December, at which time, City staff will issue the Notice of Establishment to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company requiring trains to cease blowing their horns by the end of this calendar year. 

The photo below shows the new raised concrete median at Tecumseh Road railroad crossing.


Re-Striping of US Highway 77 (Flood Avenue)
ODOT contractors began restriping US Highway 77 (Flood Avenue), between Tecumseh Road and Franklin Road on Monday, November 28. The work is part of the routine maintenance of this segment of roadway and should be completed by the end of this week. The work will be done under traffic with routine lane closures. 

UTILITIES
WATER TREATMENT
Lake Thunderbird water level is 21 inches below the top of the conservation pool.  The average daily water demand for the week was 10.6 MGD.



CITY OF NORMAN | 201 W Gray | Norman OK 73069
Steve Lewis, City Manager
(405) 366-5402

"Working together to deliver exceptional service"