Meeting Summary
The meeting provided updates on various city initiatives, including the upcoming spring cleanup, progress on the Fire Chief search, and the rebid process for police body cameras. Updates were also given on the Saxon Community Park Fitness Trail, the I-35 and Lindsay projects, and recent renovations at the Senior Center. Public meetings for the Westwood Family Aquatic Center and Central Library were announced, along with the city's recognition as a Tree City USA and a reminder about the upcoming election.
Upcoming Community Events
Westwood Family Aquatic Center Public Meetings
6:30 p.m. at City Hall
Central Library Public Meeting
6 p.m. in the council chambers
Financial Matters
Spring Cleanup Program
This service is provided at no additional charge or fees to residents.
Saxon Community Park Fitness Trail
The project will be funded using Land Development funds and state grants.
Police Body Camera Contract
The council previously approved a contract, but it had to be rebid due to vendor issues. New proposals are being considered.
Road Bond Issue
Informational brochures are being provided to voters regarding the upcoming road bond issue.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Spring cleanup: Each Saturday in April (specific date depends on polycart service day)
- West Lindsay over I-35 bridge demolition: Mid-May
- Highway 9 East interchange at I-35 substantially complete: Mid-May
Watch For
- Interviews for Fire Chief finalists
- New proposals for police body camera contract to be brought to council
- Community education on police body camera policy and operation
- Election informational brochures arriving in mailboxes
Announcements
- The annual Spring Cleanup program will offer free bulky waste pickup on Saturdays in April.
- The search for a new Fire Chief is progressing, with interviews for finalists scheduled soon.
- The police body camera project is moving forward with a rebid process, and new proposals will be presented to the council.
- Bids have been advertised for a new fitness trail at Saxon Community Park.
- The West Lindsay over I-35 bridge demolition is expected in mid-May, and the Highway 9 East interchange at I-35 should be complete by then.
- Renovations at the Senior Center have been completed.
- The city was recognized as a Tree City USA for the 14th consecutive year.
- Voters will receive informational brochures on charter amendments and the road bond issue for the upcoming election.
Agenda Summary
Spring Cleanup Program
The sanitation department will provide free household bulky waste pickup on Saturdays in April, with specific dates based on polycart service days. Details are available on the city website.
Fire Chief Search Update
Applications have been received, and the pool of candidates is being narrowed. Interviews with selected finalists will involve both internal management and an external panel including other Oklahoma Fire Chiefs and Norman stakeholders.
Police Body Camera Project Update
Following issues with the previous vendor, the contract was rebid. New proposals have been received and will be brought back to the council for consideration. Implementation will include beta testing, officer training, and community education.
Saxon Community Park Fitness Trail
Bids have been advertised for a new one-third mile fitness trail at Saxon Park, located along Highway 9. The project will be funded by Land Development funds and state grants.
Lindsay and I-35 Projects Update
The existing bridge on West Lindsay over I-35 is expected to be demolished in mid-May, with detours on Highway 9 and Main Street. The Highway 9 East interchange at I-35 is anticipated to be substantially complete and open by mid-May.
Westwood Family Aquatic Center Public Meetings
Public meetings are scheduled at City Hall to gather community input on desired features for the aquatic center. Surveys have also been sent to local groups.
Senior Center Improvements
Renovations at the Senior Center have recently been completed, including new finishes on walls, ceilings, floors, and a small renovation in the kiln room.
East and Central Libraries Updates
Ad hoc groups for the East and Central Libraries met recently. A public meeting for the Central Library is scheduled for April 11th at 6 p.m. in the council chambers.
Arbor Week / Tree City USA Recognition
The city was recognized by Oklahoma Forestry Services and the Oklahoma Urban and Community Forestry Council for earning Tree City USA status for the 14th consecutive year.
Election Reminder and Informational Brochures
A reminder was issued for the upcoming election. The city is providing voters with two informational brochures, one on charter amendments and another on the road bond issue, which will be mailed and available on the city's website.