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January 6, 2017 - In This Issue:
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WORKING TOGETHER
TO DELIVER EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE
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January 6, 2017 Weekly report to the Mayor and City Council
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MONDAY
January 9
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WEDNESDAY
January 11
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THURSDAY
January 12
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FRIDAY
January 13
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No Meeting
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5 p.m.
City Council
Special Session
5:30 p.m.
City Council Conference
6:30 p.m.
City Council Meeting
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No Meeting
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5 p.m.
Finance Committee
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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
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INCENTIVE COMMISSION ISSUES REPORT
From December 29 NEDC e-Newsletter
The Oklahoma Incentive Evaluation Committee made its final
report to the Oklahoma Legislature in December. The report approved recommendations form an out-of-state consultant to retain key economic development incentives including three targeted at attraction and expansion of aerospace companies and the five-year ad valorem property tax exemption for manufacturers.
The consultants also made recommendations to reconfigure several programs and allow others to sunset at their predetermined time. The commission did not approve the recommendation to eliminate the industrial access road program that is administered by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.
OWRB WATER SYSTEM LOAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL GRANT
NUA Loan Application to be considered at January 17 meeting
The Norman Water Utility has been planning and preparing for major improvements to the Water Treatment Plant and ground water supplies, as directed in the adopted Strategic Water Supply Plan, for several years. The voters of Norman approved a rate increase in January, 2015 to provide funding for these improvements, including ozone treatment processes to address taste and odor issues experienced in the fall of the year; ultraviolet disinfection systems; chemical feed and process improvements; electrical and control system improvements; new administration and maintenance buildings; and modifications to the filtration building. These "Phase II" Water Treatment Facility improvements are estimated to cost over $28,000,000. The Water Utility also is in the process of making improvements and expansions to its ground water well field by combining water produced in wells with low levels of natural contaminants with wells with higher levels, to provide greater supplies of safe drinking water. These well field improvements are estimated to cost over $10,000,000.
To provide long-term funding for these Water Utility projects, the City approved an application to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) for a Drinking Water Statewide Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Loan of up to $31,000,000 (available Utility revenues will be used to fund additional project costs). The OWRB administers the SRF Revolving Loan Programs on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, to provide funding for public projects to ensure safe drinking water and clean waterways nationally.
The OWRB will consider the NUA's loan application at its January 17th meeting, and the NUA will consider the final loan approval at its January 24th meeting. Generally speaking, the City could expect to save between 1%-1.5% on the interest rate for the bonds.
In addition to the SRF Loan for Water System improvements, the OWRB will also consider a grant, in the form of an SRF "Principal Forgiveness" Loan of $304,625. With matching funds ($3,977,738) from the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG), the Norman Water Reclamation Utility will use this grant to fund improvements to the Brookhaven Creek stream bank. The improvements will include tree and shrub planting for bank stabilization, pervious pavement and diversion facilities to improve the stream flow. These improvements are indicative of the types of loan and grant programs that are available to cities through the OWRB's programs for Stormwater Utilities. The Council/NUA will consider this grant and acceptance of the ACOG funding at a future meeting.
NORMAN FIRE DEPARTMENT TO RECEIVE HIGHLY-TRAINED K9
NFD to Host State Urban Search and Rescue Alliance (SUSAR) Certified Disaster Search K9
The Norman Fire Department will become host to a K9 provided through Ground Zero K9 Emergency Training Center, started by Barry and Becky Switzer. These canines have been deployed on many types of emergency calls, such as tornadoes, train derailments, earthquakes, multiple auto pile-ups, auto ejections, building explosions, large building searches (school, warehouses, etc.), plane crashes, flood wreckage and other emergencies that could potentially happen in Norman.
The department and fire fighter/handler, Justin Lechman, will receive the Labrador, named Quip, at a ceremony at the OKC National Memorial on January 13. Quip was purchased by the Ground Zero K9 Foundation from the University of Auburn as a puppy. The university has a program that breeds canines for specific jobs. The canines have a remarkable sense of smell, unparalleled ability to quickly and safely navigate unstable and slippery terrain, ability to negotiate dangerous surfaces, and the ability to get to places humans cannot safely access to search for live victims.
NFD will be the first outside of OKC FD in the central part of the state to host a SUSAR Disaster Search K9.
OKC NEW DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES FOR STREETS/PARKS
News Fees Went in Effect January 1
The Oklahoma City Council recently adopted new development impact fees for streets and parks that went into effect January 1. The City already charged impact fees for water and wastewater, and added development fees for streets and parks to help fund streets, parks and trails improvements needed to accommodate new development. According to OKC's
website, using development fees to help pay for new infrastructure allows more revenue from general obligation bonds to be spent on maintenance.
HOUSE SPEAKER AND SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEM ELECTED
Rep. Charles McCall, Sen. Mike Schulz Formally Elected This Week
Representative Charles McCall (R-Atoka) was formally elected speaker of the House of Representatives and Senator Mike Schulz (R-Altus) was formally elected president pro tem of the Senate this week.
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ARTICLES
News Stories, Documents and Articles That May Be of Interest to City Council
- Baldwin, Diana. "ShowBiz Cinemas wants to build family entertainment center in Edmond." The Oklahoman. 24 December 2016. See article
- Money, Jack. "State CPAs see Oklahoma's economy improving." The Oklahoman. 28 December 2016. See article
- Editorial Board "Even gasoline tax may get a look to help deal with Oklahoma budget crunch." The Oklahoman. 2 January 2017. See article
- Burke, Mack. "No more horns: Safety still in focus as Norman's trains prepare to go silent." Norman Transcript. 30 December 2016. See article
- Hampton, Joy. "Norman's zoning ordinance and city code allow for conflicting uses." Norman Transcript. 6 January 2017. See article
- Hampton, Joy. "City moves forward with Cedar Lakes dam proposal with no policy in place." Norman Transcript. 5 January 2017. See article
- Hampton, Joy. "Record highs yield to lows with grassfires a continued danger." Norman Transcript. 4 January 2017. See article
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BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Resignations, Vacancies, Expired Terms (Members Still Serving), Upcoming Appointments and Reappointments
See Chart
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CONSTRUCTION CHANGE ORDERS AUTHORIZED
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FIRE
Incident Summary
(12/29/2016-1/4/2017)
| Fire Related |
18
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Overpressure rupture, explosion
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0
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| Emergency Medical |
173
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Hazardous Condition
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5
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| Service Call |
21
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| Good Intent |
27
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| False Alarm |
10
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Special Incident
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0
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Severe Weather
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0
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Total
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254
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PARKS
JUNIOR JAMMER BASKETBALL LEAGUES
The Winter Junior Jammer Basketball League is heating up. We have teams practicing at school sites and recreation centers. There are 12 Leagues, with 64 teams and 560 participants. Games will begin on Saturday, January 21.
PARK MAINTENANCE
Park maintenance crews are working to remove all holiday decorations, and should have
them removed by the beginning of next week.
NORMAN TRAIN DEPOT
The Norman Train Depot Reconstruction Project continues. The footings for the south portion of the building have been poured and the slab will be poured next week, weather depending. Brick installation will also begin next week, weather depending.
NORMAN FORWARD - WESTWOOD TENNIS
City staff toured the indoor tennis facility at Will Rogers Park in Oklahoma City this week. We are working to finalize our priority list for an indoor facility Request for Proposals. We are still waiting for final approval from the FAA for our proposed building location-however, we intend to finalize the RFP for the indoor courts this month and be ready with bids once our site is approved. Work on the outdoor courts is continuing as weather permits. Fence will be delivered and installed in the coming weeks; as will the new court lights and between-court shade structure. Final surfacing will not be done until several consecutive day temperatures above 60 degrees can be safely predicted.
RECREATION CENTER IMPROVEMENTS
Million Painting worked during the holiday break to paint the upper portion of the 12
Avenue Recreation Center. The work is complete, and included repairs to any damaged wood trim and drywall panels in the area. Also, the floors at Whittier and Irving gyms were cleaned and sealed over the holidays; and this same work will be scheduled at the 12
Avenue Recreation Center, now that the paint contractor has finished their work.
HIGHLAND VILLAGE PARK
Lane's Tree Service worked this week to remove dead trees and some existing cedars on the west side of the park where the new playground will be constructed.
Responses to the playground RFP are due back to the park planning office on January 20. We are also continuing to receive quotes for construction of a perimeter walking trail and basketball court, landscape improvements and park furnishings to develop this site. The park will be ready for use this spring.
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PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Residential and Commercial Activity since last report on 12-14-16
(
12/15/2016-1/4/2017
) Detailed Report
Brooks Dental Office, 3441 W. Rock Creek Road
| Type |
Number |
Combined Value |
Average Value |
| New single family residence permits |
21
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$5,900,237
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$280,964
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| Two family (duplex) permits |
8
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$1,634,340
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$204,293
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| Residential addition or alteration Permits |
24
(12 storm shelters)
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$364,900
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| Demo Permits |
3
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| New single family residence applications |
17
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$3,508,090
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$206,358
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Two family (duplex) residence applications
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6 |
$1,713,000 |
$285,500 |
| Residential additions or alterations application |
4
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$237,748 |
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| Demo applications |
4
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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 reconstruct the Lindsey Street Bridge over I-35 center pier located in the middle of I-35
- Continue to place concrete pavement on Lindsey Street between I-35 and Ed Noble Parkway
- Continue to place pavement on the Lindsey Street to southbound I-35 on ramp
- Continue to place pavement on the I-35 northbound to Lindsey Street off ramp
- Continue to place sod on the completed portions of I-35 northbound
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. Lindsey Street between 24th Avenue and Berry Road will remain open during construction. While the Lindsey Street Bridge over Imhoff Creek, located between Berry Road and Pickard Avenue, is replaced, the road will be closed for a maximum of 100 days.
Next week, weather permitting the contractor's activities will be as follows:
- Continue to install the temporary widening on the north and south sides of Lindsey Street
- 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 pavement removal and grading for the inside lanes of the new roadway west of Berry Road
Franklin Road Bridge over the Little River:
This is a $3.7 million project which is a part of the 2012 Bond Program. The prework meeting was held on December 20. The contractor revised the schedule delaying the start of construction by one week. On Monday, January 2 the contractor placed message boards on Franklin Road notifying motorists that the contractor will begin work on January 16. The contractor will close Franklin Road between 24th Avenue NW and 12th Avenue NW to through traffic in order to remove the existing bridge over the Little River. City staff met with officials from Moore-Norman Technology Center in November 2016 to inform them of the upcoming construction project.
- The project involved 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
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
This is a $7.8 million construction project under contract with Silver Star Construction of Moore, Oklahoma. Completion of this project is estimated to occur in March 2017. This project is 100% funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by Oklahoma Department of Commerce (ODOC). Construction engineering services will be completed by Atkins North America of Norman, Oklahoma. Road closures will be necessary during the culvert replacement phase of construction. Detour routes will be posted and local access will be provided at all times during construction.
The project involves the following items:
- Subgrade Stabilization
- New 6" asphalt pavement
- Some roadway widening
- Culvert replacement at most locations
- Ditch grading
The major focus of work now is wrapping up construction on 108th Avenue SE and shifting more effort to 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
- Continue driveway construction, final ditch grading, and erosion control installation on 108th Ave. SE between Post Oak Rd. and SH-9
- Temporarily rock surface on 120th Ave. SE between Etowah Rd. and Post Oak Rd until warmer temperatures allow for paving.
- Close 120th Avenue SE to through traffic between Sh-9 and Post Oak Road for cross drain culvert replacement and grading activities.
The photo below is from recent construction on 108th Avenue SE near Post Oak Road.
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PUBLIC WORKS
DEVELOPMENT
Floodplain Citizen Outreach
During the week of December 19-23, the Department of Public Works sent an outreach letter to property owners and renters (approximately 1,900) located within the City's current Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries. The purpose of the letter is to inform owners and/or renters that their property is located in the regulatory floodplain, provide information regarding how to protect themselves and their property from flooding, and recommend that they buy flood insurance available at the Community Rating System (CRS) discounted rate (25% for Special Flood Hazard Areas). The direct mail out is a yearly community outreach project as required by Norman's continuation in the CRS program.
On December 27, the Department of Public Works mailed letters to property owners and renters (approximately 50) located within the City's floodplain repetitive loss areas. A repetitive loss property is any property that has 2 or more flood insurance claims over $1,000 in any given 10 year rolling period. The purpose of the letter is to inform owners and/or renters that their property is located in an area prone to flooding, provide information regarding how to protect themselves and their property from flooding, and recommend that they buy flood insurance available at the CRS discounted rate. The direct mail out to repetitive loss properties is a yearly outreach project required by the CRS program.
PUBLIC WORKS
SIDEWALK PROGRAMS
FYE 2017 Concrete Projects bid was awarded on August 9, 2016 by City Council to Central Contracting services in the amount of $246,025.00 for the four following projects to be completed throughout the fiscal year 2017:
- Citywide Sidewalk Reconstruction Program which is intended to assist property owners in repairing existing sidewalks and constructing new sidewalks along an entire city block. Property owners who wish to participate in the Citywide Sidewalk Reconstruction Project will pay fifty percent (50%) of the estimated cost, with the City paying the remaining fifty- percent (50%) from funds allocated to this project. Construction is scheduled to repair eight residential sidewalk locations in Deerfield and Park Place additions in northeast Norman and is expected to be complete by January 20th, 2017.
- Sidewalk Accessibility Program which provides sidewalk ramps where none exist and rebuilds existing ramps that do not comply with the current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. This project will construct approximately fifty (50) curb ramps. Locations are determined at the request of citizens and along arterial and collector streets that do not currently have ramps at street-sidewalk intersections. Construction of ramps on Wylie Road between Lindsey and Boyd Street begins in May 2017 in conjunction with Lindsey Street Improvements in the area.
- The Sidewalk Program for Schools and Arterials is used to construct new sidewalks adjacent to elementary schools that have no sidewalks and along walking routes to the schools. The location in this year's program is the south side of Westlawn Drive from Berry Road to Wylie Road, with new ramps crossing Wylie at the east entrance of Jackson School. Construction will begin at the end of the school year in May 2017.
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 in 2017 on Main Street between Flood Avenue and Berry Road in the east and westbound inside lanes. (This work will be performed in conjunction with the Norman Public Schools spring break.) A-Tech was originally scheduled to resume work over winter break, but due to weather concerns the work was required to be rescheduled.
Havenbrook Bridge Repair
On November 29, Public Works crews began the demolition of the roadway and first four underlying pipes on December 5. The installation of the first four new stormwater pipes was completed on December 22. Crews began demolition on the remaining five stormwater pipes on December 27, which will continue through next week.
PUBLIC WORKS
TRAFFIC
Staff received no new traffic calming program inquiries this week:
During the week of January 9, 2017, speed trailers will be deployed at the following locations:
- Summit Crossing Parkway, between Ridge Lake Boulevard and 36th Avenue SE (Ward 1)
- 36th Avenue NW, between Carrington Lane and Franklin Road (Ward 8)
- McGee Drive, between Smoking Oaks Drive and Lindsey (Ward 2
Traffic Signal Update and Interconnection on Boyd Street, between Berry Road and Classen Boulevard
This project replaces the existing traffic signal at the intersection of Boyd Street and University Boulevard, which is the oldest in Norman. It was installed in the 1950's and is no longer structurally sound. The location of the existing poles, as they relate to the pedestrian wheel chair ramps and push buttons, are also out of compliance with current American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements for accessibility. The inclusion of fiber interconnect on this project will add eight more signals to the City's Centracs Traffic Signal Management System (Boyd Street @ Berry Road, Flood Avenue, Chautauqua Avenue, Elm Avenue, University Boulevard, Asp Avenue, Jenkins Avenue and Classen Boulevard).
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation awarded the bid on September 15, 2016. A pre-construction meeting will be held on January 10, 2017 and construction is scheduled to begin on January 30, 2017. All work will be done under traffic with only an occasional lane closure.
The project is being funded with 100% federal safety funds and will be completed by the first week of May 2017.
Railroad Quiet Zone
Installation of the supplemental safety measures required for the Railroad Quiet Zone project began on August 18, 2016.
Construction of the raised concrete median at the Brooks Street, Constitution Street, Lindsey Street Tecumseh Road and Rock Creek Road crossings has been completed. The median treatment is designed to further discourage drivers from driving around the crossing gates.
Installation of supplemental safety measures at the remaining railroad crossings began during the week of December 26. City forces have completed work at the Post Oak Road, Boyd Street, Eufaula Street and Acres Street crossings. Similar work will be completed during the week of January 9 at the Lexington Avenue, Franklin Road and Indian Hills Road crossings. All work is anticipated to be completed by January 13. A final inspection with representatives of the BNSF Railway Company will be conducted during the week of January 16 and if the work is acceptable, City staff will issue the Notice of Establishment to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company during the week of January 23. It is anticipated that the quiet zone will be in effect during the first half of February.
Photo below is the "Qwick Kurb" median at the Boyd Street crossing.
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UTILITIES
WATER TREATMENT
Lake Thunderbird water level is 25 inches below the top of the conservation pool. The Conservation pool is 88.3% full. The average daily water demand for the week was 8.8 MGD (Million Gallons per Day).
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