Meeting Summary
The city council meeting addressed two primary topics: the internal audit program and a proposed downtown cleanup initiative. For the internal audit, discussions focused on the terminology for the audit's foundational document, the auditor's reporting structure, and the formation of an audit committee, which will integrate with the finance committee and include public members. Regarding the cleanup initiative, two proposals were received for a low-barrier employment program to address litter, with council members expressing support for proceeding with the program and exploring funding from both general and solid waste funds.
Key Decisions & Votes
Internal Audit Program - Charter Terminology and Structure
The council agreed to retain the term 'Internal Audit Charter' for the foundational document, with a plan for public education. They also agreed to define the City Auditor as an 'employee of the council' or 'department' rather than a 'division'.
Internal Audit Committee Structure
The council agreed to establish the audit committee by integrating it with the existing finance committee, meeting quarterly, and including a few qualified community members selected by drawing names from a hat. Special meetings can be called for urgent or sensitive matters.
Downtown Cleanup Program (Litter Crew)
Council members expressed support for proceeding with the proposed low-barrier employment program for litter cleanup, based on the two RFP responses received. Further internal selection and contract negotiation will follow, with funding to be explored from both general and solid waste funds.
Financial Matters
Original Litter Crew Allocation (2002)
Initial funding for a four-person litter crew working 215 days a year, also tasked with mowing and channel debris cleanup.
Litter Crew Allocation (2008)
Funding when the litter crew program was reinstated, also from the general fund.
Current RFP for Litter Cleanup Program
Range of costs for the two proposals received for the new low-barrier employment litter cleanup program, depending on the number of days worked per week.
Proposed Budget Increase for Litter Crew
Amount suggested by Mr. O to have a significant impact on litter cleanup, compared to the previous $50,000 allocation.
Cost of Service Study for Sanitation
A study being conducted with Rift Tellis to analyze who pays into and benefits from the sanitation fund, aiming to rebalance and ensure fairness between residential and commercial subsidies.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Audit plan by summer
- Audit committee formed by June finance committee meeting
- Cost of service study results for sanitation within about three months
- Selection process and contract negotiation for cleanup program by March, aiming for Green Norman Eco month (mid-March to mid-May)
Watch For
- Future Solid Waste rate increase to fund enhanced cleanup
- Negotiation of the final contract for the litter cleanup program
- Public education campaign on the Internal Audit Charter
Announcements
- Happy New Year
- Green Norman Eco month (mid-March to mid-May) was mentioned as a target for the cleanup program launch.
Agenda Summary
Continued discussion regarding the internal audit program
Discussion on the terminology for the internal audit's foundational document (Charter vs. Policy/Protocol), the auditor's reporting structure (employee of council, not a division), and the composition and operation of the audit committee.
Discussion on Cleanup in downtown Norman
Presentation on the history of the city's litter crew, the current Request for Proposal (RFP) process for a low-barrier employment program for cleanup, and the two proposals received with varying costs and operational models. Discussion also covered funding sources and program scope.