Meeting Summary
The City Council approved minutes and several proclamations for Bike Month, Travel and Tourism Week, and Small Business Week. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the first public hearing on the FYE 2020 budget, revealing an ongoing structural deficit and prompting extensive public and council discussion on potential cuts and revenue generation. The Council also established a Charter Review Commission with several amendments to its scope and membership.
Key Decisions & Votes
Approval of April 9th, 2019 Meeting Minutes
01:20The City Council unanimously approved the minutes from the April 9th, 2019 meeting.
Acknowledgment of Bike Month Proclamation
01:50The Council unanimously acknowledged receipt of the proclamation declaring May 2019 as Bike Month and May 17th as Bike to Work Day.
Acknowledgment of National Travel and Tourism Week Proclamation
09:30The Council unanimously acknowledged receipt of the proclamation declaring May 5th-11th as National Travel and Tourism Week.
Acknowledgment of Small Business Week Proclamation
12:40The Council unanimously acknowledged receipt of the proclamation declaring May 5th-11th, 2019 as Small Business Week.
Approval of Consent Docket (Items 8-25)
16:30The Council unanimously approved the consent docket, which included various ordinances, appointments, financial reports, contract approvals for pavement repair projects, and bond resolutions.
Amendment to Charter Review Commission Scope (Utility Rates)
1:37:00An amendment was adopted to include consideration of adding language to the Charter requiring council to consider a resolution for a vote to increase utility rates under certain financial conditions.
Amendment to Charter Review Commission Scope (Council Vacancy Appointment)
1:39:00An amendment was adopted to include review of allowing an outgoing councilmember to appoint their successor in case of a vacancy, unless due to removal from office.
Amendment to Charter Review Commission Scope (Partisan Elections)
1:40:00An amendment was adopted to include review of whether to allow partisan elections for municipal office.
Appointment of Shaun Williamson Jennings to Charter Review Commission
1:42:00Shaun Williamson Jennings was added to the list of Charter Review Commission members.
Appointment of Greg Youngman to Charter Review Commission
1:43:00Greg Youngman was added to the list of Charter Review Commission members.
Appointment of Tom Hacklman and Aisha Prather to Charter Review Commission
1:44:00Tom Hacklman and Aisha Prather were added to the list of Charter Review Commission members.
Appointment of Victoria McBride and Jim Eller to Charter Review Commission
1:45:00Victoria McBride and Jim Eller were added to the list of Charter Review Commission members.
Appointment of Brian Vineyard and Judith Lottie to Charter Review Commission
1:46:00Brian Vineyard and Judith Lottie were added to the list of Charter Review Commission members.
Adoption of Resolution Establishing Charter Review Commission as Amended
1:49:00The resolution establishing the Charter Review Commission, including all adopted amendments to its scope and membership, was unanimously adopted.
Upcoming Community Events
Bike to Work Day Rally
Andrews Park, 8:30 AM rally, with four routes from various locations.
Annual Tourism Luncheon
University of Oklahoma's football stadium, featuring Lieutenant Governor as keynote speaker.
Norman Shred-a-thon
Police Department community event for medication disposal, document shredding, and car seat checks.
Homeless Expo
Various services provided to the homeless, including animal welfare, library services, ID cards, and Social Security assistance.
Homeless Expo
Future event providing various services to the homeless.
Financial Matters
FYE 2020 City of Norman Proposed Operating and Capital Budgets
First public hearing on the proposed budget totaling $265,089,000 in revenue, highlighting dependence on sales tax and an ongoing structural imbalance where expenditures exceed revenues.
Urban Concrete Pavement Repair Project contract
Approval of contract with SAC Services for concrete pavement repair.
Urban Asphalt Pavement Repair Capital Improvement Project Project 1 contract
Approval of contract with Silver Star Construction for asphalt pavement repair.
Asphalt Pavement Repair Capital Improvement Project Project 2 contract
Approval of contract with Silver Star Construction for asphalt pavement repair.
Street Maintenance Bond Reconstruction Project contract
Approval of contract with Paratheon Construction for street reconstruction from Walnut Road to Inhofe Road.
Certified Local Governments Program 2019-20 application for funding
Submission of an application for funding to the Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office.
Water Reclamation Facility Septage Receiving Facility preliminary design services
Approval of a contract with Olson for preliminary design services.
Public Comments
Citizens voiced strong opinions on the proposed FYE 2020 budget, with significant advocacy for maintaining the Westwood Golf Course and various suggestions for revenue generation and expenditure cuts, including scrutinizing change orders, pausing bike lane projects, exploring furloughs, closing the TIF, and charging the University of Oklahoma for fire services. One speaker proposed hosting a 'Cannabis Cup' for tourism revenue. Several speakers used the forum to advocate against abortion, while another advocated for personhood rights for Artificial Intelligence. Concerns were also raised about park maintenance and support for the upcoming Aquatic Center.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Second public hearing on FYE 2020 budget (May 28th)
- Next Homeless Expo (June 27th)
Announcements
- Norman has been designated a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists.
- Visit Norman's annual tourism luncheon will feature the Lieutenant Governor as keynote speaker.
- The Norman Police Department held a successful community event (Shred-a-thon) for medication and document disposal, and car seat checks.
- The Homeless Expo provides various services to Norman's homeless population.
Agenda Summary
Approval of City Council, Norman Utilities Authority, Norman Municipal Authority, and Norman Tax Increment Financing minutes of April 9th, 2019
Review and approval of the minutes from the previous meeting.
Proclamation proclaiming the month of May 2019 as Bike Month and Friday May 17th, 2019 as Bike to Work Day
A proclamation by the Mayor recognizing the importance of bicycling for transportation, fitness, and recreation, and promoting bicycle safety.
Proclamation proclaiming the week of May 5th through 11th as National Travel and Tourism Week
A proclamation by the Mayor recognizing the positive economic and social effects of travel and tourism in Norman.
Proclamation proclaiming the week of May 5th through 11th, 2019 as Small Business Week
A proclamation by the Mayor recognizing the vital role of small businesses in the economy and community.
Ordinance upon first reading rezoning 405 Park Drive
Rezoning 405 Park Drive from Center City form-based code to Center City Planned Unit development.
Ordinance upon first reading amending Chapter 3 Animal Control
Amending various sections of the animal control code related to shelter, foster homes, kennels, service animals, administration, fees, impounded animals, cruelty, tethering, and dangerous animals.
Mayor's appointments to various committees
Appointments to the Development Oversight Committee for TIF District #2, Norman Forward Senior Citizen Ad Hoc Advisory Group, and Ward 6 Candidates Selection Committee.
Submission of the Finance Director's Investment Report as of March 31st, 2019
Presentation of the city's investment report.
Submission of the monthly departmental reports for the month of March 2019
Presentation of departmental activity reports for the month of March.
Submission of the Norman Convention and Visitor's Bureau FYE 2019 semi-annual report through December 31st, 2018
Presentation of the semi-annual report from the Convention and Visitor's Bureau.
Norman Rural Certificate of Survey for Stella Hills Estates and a variance
Acceptance of a certificate of survey for Stella Hills Estates and a variance in private road width from 20 feet to 12 feet, including an easement acceptance.
Certificate of Plat Correction for Bella Tona Addition Section 1 Lots 5 & 6 Block 1
Correction to the plat for a specific section of Bella Tona Addition.
Acceptance of bid, approval of a contract with SAC Services for Urban Concrete Pavement Repair Project
Approval of a contract and associated bonds for concrete pavement repair, granting tax-exempt status.
Acceptance of bid, approval of a contract with Silver Star Construction for Urban Asphalt Pavement Repair Capital Improvement Project Project 1
Approval of a contract and associated bonds for asphalt pavement repair, granting tax-exempt status.
Acceptance of bid, approval of a contract with Silver Star Construction for Asphalt Pavement Repair Capital Improvement Project Project 2
Approval of a contract and associated bonds for asphalt pavement repair, granting tax-exempt status.
Acceptance of bid, approval of a contract with Paratheon Construction for Street Maintenance Bond Reconstruction Project
Approval of a contract and associated bonds for street reconstruction from Walnut Road to Inhofe Road, granting tax-exempt status.
Declaration of surplus and/or obsolete equipment and materials
Authorization for the sale or disposal of declared surplus or obsolete equipment and materials.
Submission of the Certified Local Governments Program 2019-20 application for funding
Submission of an application for funding to the Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office.
Authorization to execute Addendum A2 Consent Order 13-077
Authorization to execute an addendum from the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality for the Norman Water Reclamation Facility permit.
Contract with Olson to provide preliminary design services for the Water Reclamation Facility Septage Receiving Facility
Approval of a contract for preliminary design services for a new septage receiving facility.
Resolution fixing amount of General Obligation Bonds Series 2019A
Resolution detailing the maturity, sale, agents, and official statement for General Obligation Bonds Series 2019A.
Resolution fixing amount of the General Obligation Bond Series 2019B
Resolution detailing the maturity, sale, agents, and official statement for General Obligation Bonds Series 2019B.
First Public Hearing regarding the FYE 2020 City of Norman proposed operating and capital budgets and the Norman Convention and Visitor's Bureau Inc. budget
Public hearing to receive input on the proposed fiscal year 2020 budget, highlighting revenue sources, expenditures, and ongoing financial challenges.
Resolution establishing a Charter Review Commission
A resolution to establish a commission for a targeted review of the Norman City Charter, with several amendments to its scope and membership.
Miscellaneous Discussion
An opportunity for citizens to address the City Council on various topics.
Consideration of adjournment into executive session
Motion to adjourn the public meeting and convene into executive session as authorized by Oklahoma statutes.