Meeting Summary
The City Council approved various minutes and acknowledged proclamations for Senior Citizens Day and Women's Equality Day. The primary discussion centered on Ordinance 1920-4, which aimed to update licensing and zoning for medical marijuana establishments. An amendment to reduce permit fees from $1250 to $850 was approved, but the entire ordinance was ultimately postponed to August 27th for further review of fees and zoning implications.
Key Decisions & Votes
Approval of Minutes
00:01:40The City Council approved the minutes from several previous meetings, including oversight, study session, special session, finance committee, and authority meetings.
Senior Citizens Day Proclamation
00:02:00The City Council acknowledged receipt of a proclamation declaring August 21st, 2019, as Senior Citizens Day in Norman.
Women's Equality Day Proclamation
00:09:00The City Council acknowledged receipt of a proclamation declaring August 26th, 2019, as Women's Equality Day in Norman, commemorating the 99th anniversary of the 19th Amendment.
Consent Docket
00:19:00Items 7 through 20, covering various ordinances, appointments, reports, bids, contracts, and claims, were approved as part of the consent docket.
Medical Marijuana Ordinance - Testing Laboratories Zoning Amendment
01:00:20An amendment to Ordinance 1920-4 was approved, changing the zoning for medical marijuana testing laboratories to be a permitted use in I-1, C-O, and M-1 districts, consistent with existing state law and OBN approval.
Medical Marijuana Ordinance - Licensing Fees Amendment
01:38:00An amendment to Ordinance 1920-4 was approved, reducing the proposed annual permit fees for most medical marijuana establishment licenses from $1250 to $850, aiming for a compromise to cover city costs while being business-friendly.
Medical Marijuana Ordinance Postponement
02:05:00The entire Ordinance 1920-4, concerning medical marijuana establishment licensing and zoning, was postponed to the August 27th City Council meeting for further discussion and review of fees and zoning implications, including a study session.
Upcoming Community Events
Police Activities League (PAL) Camp
For incoming 7th and 8th graders, focused on community partnerships and values. Encouraged attendance and volunteering for next year.
Citizens Police Academy (Class #17)
Experiencing high-speed pursuits, tasing, armed intruder drills. Class graduates in November; applications for next class in fall.
National Night Out
Neighborhood get-togethers and an event in Andrews Park (co-sponsored by AT&T, Target). Will be moved to October next year.
Financial Matters
Summit Valley Interceptor Project
Acceptance of a bid and approval of a Norman Utilities Authority contract and associated bonds with Matthews Trenching Company Incorporated.
Water Treatment Plant Repair
Ratification of an emergency to repair and replace the impeller and inlet piping on solids contact clarifier number three at the water treatment plant, and approval of a Norman Utilities Authority contract with Rudy Box and Associates Incorporated.
Special Claim 1921 (Deborah Maupin)
Claim for vehicle damage as a result of an incident with a sanitation department truck.
Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security Program Grant
Acceptance of a grant to be used by the police department to purchase monitoring equipment for special events.
Right-of-Way Acquisition Services
Authorization for expenditure under contract with Smith Roberts Land Services Incorporated for the Porter Avenue and Acre Street intersection bond project.
24th Avenue East Phase One Water Line Relocation Project
Change order number one to the contract with Webb Construction Incorporated, decreasing the contract amount.
Settlement of Jennifer Schmidt Workers Compensation Case
Recommendation from the city attorney to approve a settlement for a workers compensation case and grievance.
Public Comments
Public comments primarily focused on the proposed medical marijuana licensing fees and zoning. Many speakers expressed concern that the fees were too high, especially for small businesses, and questioned the fairness compared to other industries. Some argued for covering city costs, while others highlighted the economic burden on a new industry and the potential for an underground market if fees are excessive. There were also questions about the data used to calculate costs and suggestions for tiered fee structures based on business type and size. Concerns were also raised about the delay in zoning clarity for existing businesses and the potential for legal challenges.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Ordinance 1920-4: Amending licensing and zoning for medical marijuana establishments
Deadlines
- August 27th: Next City Council meeting to revisit Medical Marijuana Ordinance 1920-4
- August 29th: State law effective date for new medical marijuana regulations
Watch For
- Overhauling and auditing city-wide permitting and licensing processes
- Consideration of adding a senior living board
- Formation of a committee for the 100th anniversary of Women's Equality Day
- Discussion on a residential lighting ordinance
- Review of ordinances regarding grass height and yard parking
- Consideration of an acknowledgment resolution for Native American nations
- Free gun safety classes hosted by the City of Norman
- Ward 8 environmentally focused meeting on September 29th (Sierra Club, Earth Rebirth)
- Charter Review Commission discussions, including council pay
Announcements
- Mayor Clark expressed interest in adding a senior living board to address quality of life for senior citizens in Norman.
- The 100th anniversary of Women's Equality Day is next year, and a committee will be formed to plan celebrations.
- The Police Activities League (PAL) camp was a successful experience, fostering community partnerships and positive engagement for seventh and eighth graders.
- The Citizens Police Academy (Class #17) has started, with applications for the next session opening in the fall.
- National Night Out was successful, including a new event in Andrews Park, and will be moved to October next year due to August heat.
- Norman Animal Welfare received 21 puppies and is in urgent need of donations (puppy formula, canned food, puppy pads, old towels, canine milk replacer, bottles) and fosters. Residents are encouraged to spay/neuter their pets.
- Three University of Oklahoma interns will assist the City Council for the fall semester.
- FEMA meetings regarding new flood plain maps will be held on Thursday, August 22nd, and Wednesday, September 4th, both at 5:30 PM in chambers.
- The City of Norman plans to host at least one free gun safety class to educate citizens on gun use, in response to Constitutional Carry.
- Councilmember Hickman will attend the Cherokee Nation inauguration and suggested a resolution acknowledging Native American nations.
- City Manager Darrell Pyle was thanked for proactively addressing a fraternity parking issue near College Avenue.
Agenda Summary
Approval of City Council Oversight Committee minutes of February 14, 2019; City Council study session minutes of June 4th, 2019; City Council study session minutes of June 18, 2019; City Council special session minutes of June 18, 2019; City Council Finance Committee minutes of June 20th, 2019; City Council Norman utilities authority nor municipal authority in Norman tax increment finance for 'ti minutes of June 23rd, 2019; and City Council special session minutes of June 30th, 2019
Review and approval of various City Council and authority meeting minutes.
Proclamation declaring Wednesday August 21st, 2019 as Senior Citizens Day in the City of Norman
A proclamation recognizing the contributions of senior citizens in Norman.
Proclamation declaring Monday August 26th, 2019 as Women's Equality Day in the City of Norman
A proclamation commemorating the 99th anniversary of the 19th Amendment and recognizing women's ongoing efforts for equality.
Consent Docket (Items 7-20)
Approval of routine agenda items by unanimous consent.
Ordinance 1920-2 upon first reading
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.
Ordinance 1927 upon first reading
Amending the fine amount for accessible parking, the city manager's authority, and the authority to impound vehicles, and allowing motorists with a disability to park free in metered spaces.
Mayor's appointments
Appointments of Cortney Trailer to the Indoor Aquatic and Multi Sports Facility Ad Hoc Advisory Group, Steve Gillis to the Norman Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Ann Gallagher to the Public Safety Oversight Committee.
City Manager's Change Order Report
Submission of the City Manager's report on change orders.
Annual report of the Norman 2025 Land Use and Transportation Plan
Submission of the annual report for the city's land use and transportation plan.
Bid for the purchase of cationic polymers from the water treatment facilities
Approval of a bid for the purchase of chemicals for water treatment.
Acceptance of a bid and approval of a Norman Utilities Authority contract and associated bonds with Matthews Trenching Company Incorporated
Contract in the amount of $579,975 for the Summit Valley Interceptor Project and a budget transfer between project accounts.
Ratification of the declaration of an emergency to repair and replace the impeller and inlet piping on solids contact clarifier number three at the water treatment plant
Approval of a Norman Utilities Authority contract and associated bonds with Rudy Box and Associates Incorporated in the amount of $82,368 and a budget transfer between accounts.
Special claim 1921 submitted by Deborah Maupin
Claim in the reduced amount of $1,750 for damage to her vehicle as a result of an incident with a sanitation department truck.
Consideration of acceptance of an Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security program grant
Grant in the amount of $15,880.23 to be used by the police department to purchase monitoring equipment for special events, and approval of a contract and budget appropriation.
Authorization for expenditure number two under contract with Smith Roberts Land Services Incorporated
Expenditure not to exceed $65,230 to provide right-of-way acquisition services for the Porter Avenue and Acre Street intersection bond project.
Change order number one to the contract with Webb Construction Incorporated
Decreasing the contract amount by $1,530.12 for a revised contract amount of $1,581,620.38 for the 24th Avenue East Phase One Water Line Relocation Project and final exception of the project.
Recommendation from the city attorney that the City Council approve a settlement of Jennifer Schmidt vs. the City of Norman Oklahoma workers compensation Commission case and grievance
Settlement in the amount of $15,000.
Resolution authorizing the Chairman to submit a Water Smart Title 16 Water Reclamation and Reuse Research Grant application to the Bureau of Reclamation
Resolution to apply for a grant related to water reclamation and reuse research.
Ordinance 1920-4 amending chapter 13 licensing and occupations in chapter 22 the zoning ordinance to update licensing for medical marijuana establishments
Amending city code to reflect changes in state law regarding medical marijuana establishments, including new license categories, a Certificate of Compliance process, and updated zoning.