Meeting Summary
The city council meeting primarily focused on updates regarding various city initiatives. Key discussions included progress on Norman Forward projects, a review of sales tax performance, details about the upcoming stormwater utility election, and improvements in the city's ISO fire protection ratings. No new decisions were made by the council during this informational session.
Upcoming Community Events
Stormwater Utility Election
Information available on the city's website and a provided bitly link.
Financial Matters
Sales Tax Performance
Sales tax ended the fiscal year 1.95% above FY2015 levels, but three of the last five months showed receipts below the previous year, raising concerns and potentially leading to budget adjustments.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Norman Forward implementation plan (coming to City Council in the near future)
Deadlines
- August the 23rd (Stormwater Utility Election)
Watch For
- Adjustments to the budget during the coming year based on sales tax trends
- New elevated water storage tank to be in service within a couple of days
- Completion of the Berry Road waterline replacement project by the end of the summer
Announcements
- New fire protection ratings went into effect on June 1st.
- With the new ISO rating, Norman is in the top three percent of communities in the nation and top 1% in the state.
- Properties served by public water within five miles of a fire station will see an improved rating from a three to a two.
- Properties not served by public water but within five miles of a fire station will see their fire ratings improve from a nine to a five.
- The mosquito control program is underway and has sprayed three times this year, including twice last weekend.
- Information on mosquito spraying is posted on the city's website, Facebook page, via press release, and to Norman news list subscribers.
- The new elevated water storage tank on Robinson and 24th Street has been disinfected, filled, and is expected to be in service within a couple of days.
- The Berry Road waterline replacement project's final section (Main Street to Robinson) is expected to be completed by the end of the summer.
Agenda Summary
Norman Forward Update
Update on the library ad hoc committee's review of schematics and minor exterior renovations, and the Citizens Financial Oversight Board's approval of the Norman Forward implementation plan, which will come to City Council.
Sales Tax Update
Review of sales tax performance, noting a 1.95% increase over FY2015 but recent declines in three of the last five months, prompting concern and potential budget adjustments.
Stormwater Utility Election Update
Information regarding the August 23rd election called by the City Council to establish a stormwater utility for stable funding of water resource protection and drainage improvements.
ISO Ratings Update
Announcement of improved fire protection ratings effective June 1st, placing the city in the top 3% nationally and 1% statewide, with potential insurance cost reductions for properties.
Mosquito Control Program Update
Update on the ongoing mosquito control program, including three spraying events this year, with information posted on the city's website and social media.
New Elevated Water Storage Tank Update
Progress report on the new water storage tank on Robinson and 24th Street, which has been disinfected, filled, and is expected to be in service within days.
Berry Road Waterline Replacement Update
Update on the major waterline replacement project in central Norman, with the final section from Main Street to Robinson expected to be completed by the end of summer.