By Carol Cole

Transcript Staff Writer

The master operating agreement for the University North Park Tax Increment Financing District No. 2 between the city of Norman, University North Park LLC and University Town Center LLC was approved by the Norman City Council at Tuesday’s regular meeting along with the first of what will be numerous agreements to execute the TIF No. 2 project plan.

The operating plan outlines responsibilities of each entity to implement the city’s Tax Increment Financing District No. 2.

The Development Agreement No. 1 for initial project activities in the Norman University North Park Project was approved by council.

The initial project will be the traffic and roadway improvement and supporting activities necessary to start implementing the project plan, totally not more than $13.475 million.

University North Park would “fund or cause to be available for funding amounts sufficient to provide financing for the initial project activity costs.”

“With a commitment from UNP, we can move that up for the community,” City Attorney Jeff Bryant said.

The Norman Tax Increment Financing Authority would issue tax apportionment notes or bonds for payment of the initial costs.

Norman resident and council watcher Sylvia Martin asked if additional city staff will be needed to handle overseeing and managing of the TIF District.

“It bothers me that this hasn’t really been talked about,” Martin said.

Bryant said the city may need additional staff, but it hasn’t been determined yet.

“Council will determine if the city will be reimbursed for TIF efforts and time,” he said.

The TIF District No. 2 is expected to begin generating sales tax revenue with the opening of Super Target, anticipated for early October.

The Cleveland County assessor has rated the base value of the area. When the value increases over the base, the district will receive 50 percent of the ad valorem taxes in 2007. The area has not produced sales tax or ad valorem to this point.

Council postponed by two months voting on a controversial proposal by popular barbecue restaurant Van’s Pig Stand to rezone 316 and 322 E. Daws to make way for expansion of the restaurant and increased parking space.

Jerry’s LLC requested an amendment of the Norman 2025 Land Use and Transportation Plan from low-density residential to commercial designation for the .32-acre tract. The property is currently zoned R-3 or multi-family dwelling district and also would be rezoned to special use for off-street parking.

Neighbors have protested that commercial properties keep eating away at residential neighborhoods, especially in the core Norman areas of Original Townsite and Silk Stockings. Several homes have been torn down near Norman Regional Hospital, Hiland Dairy, fraternities and sororities and other entities to allow for parking.

Ward 7 councilmember Doug Cubberley moved that consideration for the rezoning request be put off two months to allow representatives of Van’s to work with the surrounding neighborhoods toward a compromise. It passed 9-0.

In other business, council:

• Approved a resolution declaring a payback project for costs associated with the 24th Avenue NW waterline.

• Approved by a split vote of 6-3 an encroachment at 4212 Middlefield Court for installation of a swimming pool, with a portion in a utility easement. Ward 2 councilmember Richard Stawicki, Ward 5 councilmember Rachel Butler and Ward 6 councilmember David Hopper cast the “nay” votes.

• Approved an encroachment at 5009 Kathy Lynn Drive for a structure in the utility easement. The contractor on the home, which has already been constructed, mislocated the home and violated the building setback code by about five feet.

• Approved an amendment of the site plan for the Park Hill Addition, a PUD, for a 68.79-acre tract of land on the south side of Tecumseh Road east of 12th Avenue NE. The amendment would allow a temporary mobile home on the property.

• Approved a site plan for the Hall Park Fourth Addition for an 81.74-acre tract at 1501 24th Avenue NE. Applicant was Wildwood Community Church.

• Approved closure of a portion of Linn Street north of Alameda Street and west of Findlay Avenue. Applicant was William Mattoon, president of the Huntington Investment Corporation.

• Approved an ordinance amending the side yard and rear yard setback requirements of the RE or residential estate dwelling district from 25 feet to 10 feet for accessory buildings only.