October 2, 2024 City Council Meeting

TL;DR

The city council held a special meeting to discuss the contract with Food and Shelter for the emergency shelter. Food and Shelter indicated they would not operate past March 31st and objected to several proposed contract terms, including third-party security and the city's right to recoup funds. Council provided direction to staff on non-negotiable terms and planned for an appropriation vote on October 8th to continue current operations while exploring long-term solutions.

Key Decisions & Votes

Food and Shelter Contract Negotiation Directives

52:00

Council provided clear direction to staff on non-negotiable terms for the Food and Shelter contract, including mandatory third-party security, the city's right to recoup funds, and the city's internal audit provision. The dedicated bank account requirement was considered negotiable for a short-term contract.

Adopted

Emergency Shelter Funding Plan

52:00

Staff was directed to prepare an appropriation item for the October 8th meeting to ensure continued funding for the emergency shelter under the current contract for at least one additional month.

Adopted

Adjournment to Executive Session

53:00

The council voted to adjourn into executive session to discuss possible litigation concerning the construction of the Norman Central Library.

Approved

Financial Matters

Emergency Shelter Monthly Operating Cost

Estimated monthly cost for the emergency shelter under the proposed new contract.

$56,000

Estimated Cost for External Audit

Estimated cost if the city were to hire an external auditor as requested by Food and Shelter.

$20,000

Estimated Cost for Two Months of Shelter Operation

Estimated cost for two months of shelter operation if the current contract is canceled with 30 days notice, covering the transition period.

$120,000-$130,000

Coming Up

Deadlines

October 8th: Vote on appropriation for emergency shelter funding

Watch For

Revised contract agreement with Food and Shelter
Exploration of new emergency shelter operators
Discussion on year-round versus winter-only emergency shelter operation

Agenda Summary

Discussion regarding the contract with food and shelter for emergency shelter

Discussion centered on Food and Shelter's unwillingness to operate the emergency shelter past March 31st, 2025, and their objections to proposed contract language concerning third-party security, internal audit provisions, the city's right to recoup funds, and a dedicated bank account.

Staff directed to negotiate contract terms with Food and Shelter based on council feedback, emphasizing mandatory security, recoupment rights, and internal audit. An appropriation item for current contract funding will be presented on October 8th, and further discussion on the long-term vision for the shelter is needed.

Consideration of adjournment into executive session

Consideration to adjourn into executive session as authorized by Oklahoma statutes under Title 25 Section 307 B4 to discuss possible litigation regarding the construction of the Norman Central Library.