Meeting Summary
The City Council approved the minutes from the previous meeting and acknowledged a proclamation for Sunshine Week. A comprehensive consent docket, including several rezoning ordinances, financial appropriations, and contract approvals, was passed unanimously. Public comments and council discussions highlighted concerns about the city's financial priorities, particularly regarding future bond packages for Norman Forward versus essential infrastructure, and the ongoing global concerns surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.
Key Decisions & Votes
Approval of Minutes
01:00The City Council, Norman Utilities Authority, Norman Municipal Authority, and Norman Tax Increment Financing minutes of February 25th, 2020 were approved unanimously.
Proclamation of Sunshine Week and Freedom of Information Day
02:00The proclamation designating March 15-21, 2020, as Sunshine Week and March 16, 2020, as Freedom of Information Day was acknowledged unanimously.
Consent Docket Approval
19:40Items 6 through 21, covering various ordinances, resolutions, and financial matters, were placed on and approved as part of the consent docket unanimously.
Upcoming Community Events
Sooner Theatre's 'The Little Mermaid'
Performed by middle and high school students, praised for its amazing performance and production quality.
Second Friday Artwalk
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM in historic downtown Norman, featuring various performance venues.
Sutton Wilderness cleanup
2:00 PM, co-hosted by Councilmembers Scanlon and Scott.
Financial Matters
Donation from PetSmart Charities
Accepted for use at the Norman Animal Welfare Center.
Amendment to ACOG contract for public fleet conversion grant
Modification to allow ACOG to disburse remaining grant funding from FYE 2015.
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant funding from ACOG
Accepted with approval of contract and budget appropriation from capital fund balance.
Contract for custodial services for public transportation fleet
Awarded to TRT Enterprises LLC (Strategic Janitorial Solutions) for monthly services.
Settlement of Workers Compensation Commission case
Approved for the claim of Cynthia S. Joy.
Appropriation for Sequoia Trail Park improvements
Funds from the neighborhood park land fund balance for park enhancements.
Utilities operational savings at water reclamation plant
Achieved by switching out certain switching units to more efficient ones.
Utilities operational savings at transfer station
Achieved by the simple substitution of a certain type of trailer.
Public Comments
Two citizens addressed the council. One expressed concern about the city's financial priorities, advocating for essential infrastructure (stormwater, municipal finance) to be addressed before 'Norman Forward' projects, citing the significant increase in spending and economic uncertainties. The other speaker discussed broader philosophical themes of sustainability and the oil market's impact on Oklahoma's economy.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Continued discussion on Norman Forward and municipal complex potential bond funding at the next City Council meeting (next Tuesday).
- Ward 6 board meeting on Monday, March 16th, at 7 PM at the 12th Avenue Rec Center.
- Ward 8 meeting on the last Sunday of March, from 1:30 PM to 3 PM at Fire Station 7.
- Ward 7 meeting potentially on Wednesday, March 25th, or Sunday, March 29th, to discuss Norman Forward, bond package, census, and road projects.
- A prescribed burn by the forestry department near Lake Thunderbird and the wildlife area is expected in the next week or so.
Announcements
- Councilmember Holman recognized Mary Church Terrell for her contributions to Black women's rights and suffrage.
- Councilmember Carter and Scanlon emphasized the importance of handwashing and hygiene in light of the coronavirus concerns, with Councilmember Scanlon sharing a detailed account from an Italian ICU physician.
- Councilmember Hall praised the Sooner Theatre organization for their production of 'The Little Mermaid' featuring middle and high school students.
- Chief King spoke at Truman Primary about good personal hygiene and fire safety.
- The Ward 5 meeting scheduled for this Saturday was cancelled due to Spring Break.
- A prescribed burn by the forestry department is expected in the next week or so near Lake Thunderbird and the wildlife area.
- Councilmember Scanlon shared an inspiring story about his aunt's achievements, including her service as director of the Women's Army Corps.
- Utilities staff were recognized for operational efficiencies, including saving $10,000/month in utility bills at the water reclamation plant and $100,000/year in processing costs at the transfer station.
- Citizens are encouraged to tour the water reclamation facility to understand its importance and the investment made by the city.
Agenda Summary
Approval of City Council, Norman Utilities Authority, Norman Municipal Authority, and Norman Tax Increment Financing minutes of February 25th, 2020
Review and approval of the minutes from the previous joint meeting.
Proclamation of Sunshine Week and Freedom of Information Day
Proclaiming March 15-21, 2020, as Sunshine Week and Monday, March 16, 2020, as Freedom of Information Day in the City of Norman.
Consent Docket
Approval of routine agenda items 6 through 21 by one motion.
Ordinance 1920-35 upon first reading
Requesting closure and vacation of a platted 15-foot waterline along the east property line for property located at 2437 West Main Street.
Ordinance 1920-36 upon first reading
Rezoning 1201 and 1203 West Boyd Street from R1 Single-Family Dwelling Unit to SPUD Simple Planned Unit Development District.
Ordinance 1920-37 upon first reading
Rezoning 748 College Avenue from R2 Two-Family Dwelling District to RM2 Low-Density Apartment District with special use for an off-street parking lot.
Ordinance 1920-38 upon first reading
Rezoning the south side of East Lindsey Street, approximately 1/4 mile east of 24th Avenue Southeast, from RM2 Low-Density Apartment District and RM6 Medium-Density Apartment District to PUD Planned Unit Development.
Ordinance 1920-39 upon first reading
Amending the city code and the zoning ordinance to update city code licensing provisions, allow for three tiers of medical marijuana processors as allowed by state law, and add definitions and other related provisions.
Ordinance 1920-46 upon first reading
Amending the city code to prohibit furnishing tobacco and vapor products to anyone under 18, providing fines and costs for violations, providing exceptions in certain circumstances, prohibiting possession of tobacco and vapor products by anyone under 18, notifying the Department of Public Safety for failure to pay fines, prohibiting distribution of tobacco and vapor product samples, prohibiting tobacco sales except in original packaging, prohibiting display or sale of tobacco or vapor products accessible by anyone under 18, and providing notice of violations under Sections 15-412 to the ABLE Commission.
Norman rural certificate of survey for Miller Pines
With a variance in the minimum acreage requirements and acceptance of easements, generally located half mile north of East Robinson Street on the east side of 60th Avenue Northeast.
Acceptance of a donation from PetSmart Charities and budget appropriation
Acceptance of a donation in the amount of $2,000 from PetSmart Charities to be used at the Norman Animal Welfare Center and budget appropriation.
Amendment Number 1 to the contract with the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG)
To modify the original grant application to allow ACOG to proceed with the remaining disbursement of $108,620 of the original grant funding amount of $209,484 in public fleet conversion grant funding received in FYE 2015.
Acceptance of Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant funding from ACOG
Acceptance of CMAQ grant funding from the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments in the amount of $84,148, approval of a contract, and budget appropriation from the capital fund balance.
Contract with TRT Enterprises LLC doing business as Strategic Janitorial Solutions
To provide custodial services for the city's public transportation fleet for a monthly fee of $4,200.
City Attorney's recommendation for settlement of a claim
City Attorney's recommendation that City Council approve a settlement of a claim in the amount of $20,449 for the Workers Compensation Commission case of Cynthia S. Joy.
Resolution appropriating funds for Sequoia Trail Park improvements
Resolution appropriating $14,625 from the neighborhood park land fund balance for improvements to Sequoia Trail Park.
Resolution authorizing grant application to Federal Transit Administration
Resolution authorizing the city manager or his designee to submit a grant application to the Federal Transit Administration FY 2020 low or no emission vehicle program and the commitment of funds for a local match.
Resolution authorizing acquisition of real property for Porter Avenue and Akers intersection bond project
Declaring the necessity for acquiring the property for roadway purposes and authorizing eminent domain proceedings.
Resolution authorizing acquisition of real property for Creston Way and Schultz Drive stormwater project
Declaring the necessity for acquiring property for drainage purposes and authorizing eminent domain proceedings.