Meeting Summary
The City Council adopted a historic Human Rights Ordinance, expanding protections to include sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and marital status. They also approved an ordinance increasing accessible parking fines to $500 and codifying free metered parking for placard holders. Additionally, a tiered licensing fee structure for medical marijuana establishments was approved, and Councilmember Bill Hickman was recognized for his service.
Key Decisions & Votes
Human Rights Ordinance Amendments
1:29:00Ordinance 1920-2 was adopted, clarifying the duties of the Human Rights Commission and adding specific protections against discrimination and retaliation based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and marital status. The ordinance also streamlined the complaint resolution process.
Accessible Parking Ordinance Amendments
1:35:00Ordinance 1920-7 was adopted, increasing the fine for accessible parking violations to $500 and codifying the policy allowing motorists with state-issued disability placards or plates to park free in metered spaces while adhering to time limits.
Medical Marijuana Establishment Licensing Fees
2:05:00An amendment to Ordinance 1920-4 was approved, establishing a tiered licensing fee structure: $600 initial and $450 renewal for dispensaries and storage facilities; $900 initial and renewal for growers, processors, and testing laboratories; and $500 initial and renewal for education and research facilities.
Medical Marijuana Establishment Licensing and Zoning
2:10:00Ordinance 1920-4, which updates licensing and zoning for medical marijuana establishments in conformance with state law, was adopted with the newly approved tiered fee structure.
Recognition of Councilmember Bill Hickman
2:15:00Resolution 1920-30-2 was adopted, extending appreciation to Bill Hickman for his service as Ward 4 Councilmember from July 5, 2016, to August 27, 2019, highlighting his advocacy for neighborhoods and environmental protections.
Upcoming Community Events
Assistance League Norman 45th Anniversary Celebration
Wine and cheese celebration.
Skate Park Public Meeting
6:30 PM at Andrews Park.
Adults-Only Night Out at Westwood Pool
At Westwood pool, with a bar setup at the golf course.
Kickoff on the Corner
Campus Corner, live music.
Porchfest
Historic Miller District.
County Fair
Look at cows and crafts, enjoy neighbors.
Financial Matters
Easement 1920-4 (Carroll family LLC)
Permanent roadway and drainage utility easement for the 36th Avenue right-of-way project.
Easement 1920-5 (Raymond F)
Permanent roadway drainage and utility easement for the 36th Avenue right-of-way project.
Easement 1920-7 (Eusebius Beltran Archbishop)
Permanent roadway drainage and utility easement for the 36th Avenue right-of-way project.
Easement 1920-8 (All Saints Catholic school)
Permanent roadway drainage and utility easement for the 36th Avenue right-of-way project.
Special Claim 1920-2 (Todd Bayliss)
Claim for damage to brick fence by a water line maintenance crew.
Amendment No. 5 to Contract with RJN Group Inc.
Amendment for engineering maintenance, repair, installation, and reporting services.
Amendment No. 1 to Contract with Cabinets Engineering LLC
Amendment for additional professional engineering design services for the James Garner Avenue project.
Amendment No. 1 to Contract with PDG LLC
Amendment for additional professional architectural design services for maintenance facilities.
Change Order No. 1 to Contract with Construction Unlimited LLC
Change order for the West Main Street bridge over Ten Mile Flat Creek project.
Change Order No. 1 to Contract with PM Construction and Rehab LLC
Change order for the construction of FYE 2014 sewer maintenance project phase two.
Amendment No. 1 to Contract with Cardinal Engineering LLC
Amendment for additional engineering design, bidding, and construction management services for the Interstate Drive water line replacement project.
Contract with Silverstar Construction Company Inc. (Legacy Park)
Contract for the Legacy Park parking lot construction project.
Contract with Silver Star Construction Company Inc. (Urban Asphalt)
Contract for the urban asphalt pavement at FYE 2020 locations project.
Contract with EMC Services LLC (Sidewalk Concrete)
Contract for the FYE 2020 sidewalk concrete projects, including a change order.
Contract with Nash Construction Company Inc. (McCall Drive)
Contract for the McCall Drive Road reconstruction project.
Contract with Frankfort Short Bruza Associates
Contract for design services for the Norman Forward Indoor Aquatic Center, Multi-Sports Facility, and Senior Wellness Center.
Resolution 1920-30-2 (Norman Arts Council)
Resolution appropriating funds from the room tax fund balance for the Norman Arts Council for non-profit training and certifications.
Public Comments
Public comments were primarily focused on two main topics: the Human Rights Ordinance and the medical marijuana licensing fees. For the Human Rights Ordinance, there was overwhelming support for expanding protections to LGBTQ+ individuals, with speakers sharing personal stories of discrimination and the importance of inclusivity. Opposition cited religious beliefs and concerns about privacy in the home. Regarding medical marijuana fees, numerous business owners and patients expressed strong dissatisfaction with the proposed tiered fee structure, arguing that the fees were exorbitant, inequitable compared to other businesses, and would negatively impact patients and the nascent industry. They advocated for lower fees and a comprehensive review of all city business fees.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Examination of zoning and licensing treatment for medical marijuana processors.
Deadlines
- State law for medical marijuana updates effective August 29th.
Watch For
- Future discussions on fee structures for all city businesses (Finance Committee, third Thursday of the month).
- Completion of the emergency communication center / emergency operations center (expected in 13-18 months).
- Full implementation of the School Resource Officer (SRO) program.
- Changes to the cannabis industry from the next legislative session.
- Campus Corner safety plan coming to full council.
- Floodplain committee meeting on Wednesday, September 4th at 6 PM.
- Community Planning and Transportation (CPT) discussion on medical marijuana zoning (last Thursday of the month).
Announcements
- September 2019 was proclaimed as Assistance League Norman month.
- The eSGR Pro Patria Award was presented.
- The fire department pumper truck was delivered in May, with another ordered for next year.
- The radio project is completed and operational.
- Design and bidding for the emergency communication center / emergency operations center are underway, with construction expected to be completed in 13-18 months.
- Two emergency vehicle mechanic positions have been approved.
- A public meeting for the skate park at Andrews Park will be held tomorrow night (August 28th) at 6:30 PM.
- A petition to put House Bill 2597 on the ballot is available after the meeting.
- Ward 4 Councilmember Bill Hickman was recognized for his service.
- The new Ward 4 council person will be sworn in on September 10th.
- The Ward 5 meeting will be held on the second Saturday of September at Thunderbird Baptist Church.
- A Campus Corner safety plan will be coming to the full council soon.
- The Fire Academy training was observed, highlighting the importance of hazmat and live-fire training.
- The Ward 8 meeting will be on September 29th (Sunday, 1:30-3 PM) at Fire Station 7, focusing on environmental issues.
- Football season is here, expected to boost sales tax revenue.
- An adults-only night out at Westwood pool is scheduled for this Friday.
- Kickoff on the Corner and Porchfest events are happening this weekend.
- The County Fair will take place next weekend.
Agenda Summary
Item 3: Approval of Minutes
Approval of City Council conference minutes of June 25, 2019; City Council goal-setting retreat minutes of July 26, 2019; and City Council, Norman Utilities Authority, Norman Municipal Authority, and Norman Tax Increment Financing minutes of August 13, 2019.
Item 4a: eSGR Award Presentation
Motion to allow eSGR (Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve) to present the Pro Patria Award.
Item 4b: Proclamation of September 2019 as Assistance League Norman Month
Proclaiming the month of September 2019 as Assistance League Norman month in the city of Norman.
Item 6: Ordinance 1920-16
Authorizing a special election on November 12, 2019, to submit to voters the question of approving or rejecting a 1/8 of 1% sales tax for public transit systems.
Item 7: Norman Youth Council Nominees
Approval of confirmation of nominees to the Norman Youth Council.
Item 8: Finance Director's Investment Report
Submission of the finance director's investment report as of July 31, 2019.
Item 9: Monthly Departmental Reports
Submission of the monthly departmental reports for the month of July 2019.
Item 10: City Manager's Change Order Report
Submission of the city manager's change order report.
Item 11: Public Safety Oversight Committee Annual Report
Submission of the Public Safety Oversight Committee annual report.
Item 12: Easement 1920-4
Acceptance of a permanent roadway and drainage utility easement from Carroll family LLC for the 36th Avenue right-of-way project.
Item 13: Easement 1920-5
Acceptance of a permanent roadway drainage and utility easement from Raymond F for the 36th Avenue right-of-way project.
Item 14: Temporary Easement 1920-6
Acceptance of a temporary driveway easement donated by Raymond F Egan for the 36th Avenue right-of-way project.
Item 15: Easement 1920-7
Acceptance of a permanent roadway drainage and utility easement from Eusebius Beltran Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City for the 36th Avenue right-of-way project.
Item 16: Easement 1920-8
Acceptance of a permanent roadway drainage and utility easement from All Saints Catholic school for the 36th Avenue right-of-way project.
Item 17: Temporary Easement 1920-9
Acceptance of a temporary driveway easement donated by All Saints Catholic school for the 36th Avenue right-of-way project.
Item 18: Easement 1920-10
Acceptance of a public sidewalk easement donated by Rennell & Llewellyn Francoise for the University and Acres intersection project.
Item 19: Easement 1920-11
Acceptance of a permanent public roadway and sidewalk easement donated by Rennell & Llewellyn Francoise for the University and Acres intersection project.
Item 20: Easement 1920-12
Acceptance of a permanent public sidewalk easement donated by Andrew Darks for the University and Acres intersection project.
Item 21: Temporary Easement 1920-13
Acceptance of a temporary driveway easement donated by Archbishop of Catholic Archdiocese of Oklahoma for the 36th Avenue right-of-way project.
Item 22: ODEQ Water Line Permits
Submission of Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality water line permit and reclaimed water line permit for the 24-inch water transmission line.
Item 23: ODEQ Construction Permit
Submission of an Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality construction permit for the compost facility reuse pump station project.
Item 24: Special Claim 1920-2
Special claim submitted by Todd Bayliss for damage to his brick fence by a water line maintenance crew.
Item 25: Amendment No. 5 to Contract with RJN Group Inc.
Amendment number five to the contract with RJN Group Incorporated to provide engineering maintenance, repair, installation, and reporting services.
Item 26: Amendment No. 1 to Contract with Cabinets Engineering LLC
Amendment number one to the contract with Cabinets Engineering LLC to provide additional professional engineering design services for the James Garner Avenue project.
Item 27: Amendment No. 1 to Contract with PDG LLC
Amendment number one to contract with PDG LLC to provide additional professional architectural design services for the park maintenance facility, bus service maintenance facility, and public safety maintenance facility.
Item 28: Final Acceptance of Lakehurst Drive Drainage Improvements
Final acceptance and final payment of the contract with Central Contracting Services Incorporated for the Lakehurst Drive drainage improvements project.
Item 29: Change Order No. 1 to Contract with Construction Unlimited LLC
Change order number one to the contract with Construction Unlimited LLC for the West Main Street bridge over Ten Mile Flat Creek project.
Item 30: Change Order No. 1 to Contract with PM Construction and Rehab LLC
Change order number one to contract with PM Construction and Rehab LLC for the construction of FYE 2014 sewer maintenance project phase two.
Item 31: Amendment No. 1 to Contract with Cardinal Engineering LLC
Amendment number one to the contract with Cardinal Engineering LLC to provide additional engineering design, bidding, and construction management services for the Interstate Drive water line replacement project.
Item 32: Amendment No. 1 to Contract with Integrity Energy Partners LLC
Amendment number one to the contract with Integrity Energy Partners LLC extending the contract term to investigate the possibility of selling digester biogas.
Item 33: Amendment No. 2 to Contract with Francis Solar LLC
Amendment number two to the contract with Francis Solar LLC to add a second 15-year parking space lease agreement for an electric vehicle charging station.
Item 34: Legacy Park Parking Lot Construction Project
Acceptance of bids and approval of a contract with Silverstar Construction Company Incorporated for the Legacy Park parking lot construction project.
Item 35: Urban Asphalt Pavement at FYE 2020 Locations Project
Acceptance of bids and approval of a contract with Silver Star Construction Company Incorporated for the urban asphalt pavement at FYE 2020 locations project.
Item 36: FYE 2020 Sidewalk Concrete Projects
Acceptance of bids and approvals of a contract with EMC Services LLC for the FYE 2020 sidewalk concrete projects.
Item 37: McCall Drive Road Reconstruction Project
Acceptance of bids and approval of a contract with Nash Construction Company Incorporated for the McCall Drive Road reconstruction project.
Item 38: Contract with Anlab Corporation
Contract with Anlab Corporation for the purpose of conducting laboratory services for the Utilities Department.
Item 39: Contract with Accurate Labs
Contract with Accurate Labs for the purpose of conducting laboratory services for the Utilities Department.
Item 40: Contract with Pace Analytical
Contract with Pace Analytical to conduct laboratory services for the Utilities Department.
Item 41: Contract with Frankfort Short Bruza Associates
Contract with Frankfort Short Bruza Associates to provide design services for the Norman Forward Indoor Aquatic Center, Multi-Sports Facility, and Senior Wellness Center.
Item 42: Resolution Appropriating Funds for Norman Arts Council
Resolution appropriating $15,000 from the room tax fund balance for the Norman Arts Council.
Item 43: Resolution Supporting Referendum Petition for HB 2597
Resolution expressing support for a referendum petition to repeal House Bill 2597, allowing permitless carry.
Item 44: Ordinance 1920-2 (Human Rights Commission)
Clarifying the duties of the Human Rights Commission and adding specific protections against discrimination and retaliation on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or marital status.
Item 45: Ordinance 1920-7 (Accessible Parking)
Amending the fine amount for accessible parking, the city manager's authority, and the authority to impound vehicles; allowing motorists with a disability and displaying state-issued placard or plate to park free in metered parking spaces.
Item 46: Ordinance 1920-4 (Medical Marijuana Establishments)
Amending chapter 13 licensing and occupations and chapter 22 the zoning ordinance to update licensing for medical marijuana establishments as allowed by state law.
Resolution 1920-30-2: Appreciation to Bill Hickman
Extending appreciation to Councilmember Bill Hickman for his outstanding service on the Norman City Council.