Meeting Summary
The city council discussed a road use easement and lease agreements with NextEra Energy Transmission Southwest for a new transmission line project, approving the road use agreement via the consent docket. The first public hearing for the Fiscal Year 2024 operating and capital budgets was held, with citizens raising concerns about crisis response, homelessness, civil asset forfeiture funds, and downtown parking meters. Several upcoming community events and financial matters were also announced.
Key Decisions & Votes
Approval of January 24th and February 14th, 2023 Minutes
06:30The city council, Norman Utilities Authority, Norman Municipal Authority, and Norman Tax Increment Finance Authority minutes were approved unanimously.
Acknowledgement of May 2023 as Treatment Court Month Proclamation
07:30The Mayor's proclamation designating May 2023 as Treatment Court Month was acknowledged by the council.
Acknowledgement of April 27, 2023 as Leadership Oklahoma Day Proclamation
11:00The Mayor's proclamation designating April 27, 2023 as Leadership Oklahoma Day was acknowledged by the council.
Placement of Items 4 through 25 on Consent Docket
37:00Items 4 through 25, including the NextEra Road Use Agreement (Contract 146), The Vineyard contract (Item 19), and Nash Construction contract (Item 15), were placed on the consent docket for a single vote.
Approval of Consent Docket Items 4 through 25
38:00All items on the consent docket, including the NextEra Road Use Agreement, were approved unanimously.
Opening of Public Hearing for FY2024 Budget
39:00A motion to open the first public hearing for the Fiscal Year 2024 proposed operating and capital budgets was approved.
Closing of Public Hearing for FY2024 Budget
59:00A motion to close the public hearing for the Fiscal Year 2024 proposed operating and capital budgets was approved.
Adjournment into Executive Session
01:09:00The council voted to adjourn out of the council meeting and convene into executive session to discuss pending litigation and property acquisitions.
Upcoming Community Events
National Travel and Tourism Week
Visit Norman Annual Luncheon (30th Anniversary)
Kids to Park Day
Rotary Park
Norman Music Fest
Check city social media/website for road closures and detours
Sun Wilderness cleanup
One Norman Vision stakeholder Summit
Nancy O'Brien Performing Arts Center
StreetWise Workshops (Neighborhood Alliance)
530 East Main Street (Sarkey's Energy Foundation), dinner provided, registration required
Financial Matters
FY2024 Proposed Operating and Capital Budgets
First public hearing for the proposed budget. All funds revenue is $261 million, expenditures are $273.7 million. General fund revenue is $105 million, expenditures are $106.3 million. The budget draws down some fund balances, but the city is legally prohibited from deficit spending.
NextEra Easement Compensation
The city made a counter-proposal on the value of property at Franklin and 12th for an easement, based on utilities department research. This is separate from right-of-way and franchise fees.
Civil Asset Forfeiture (CAF) Funds
Public comments debated the use of CAF funds for police vehicles versus alternative community services like mobile crisis units or fire department equipment. The City Attorney clarified that state funds are restricted to law enforcement, and the city has historically tied these funds to law enforcement efforts, though not explicitly required by state law for shared funds.
Water Rate Increase
A vote on a proposed water rate increase is scheduled for June 13. The last increase was nine years ago, and the city faces significant operating and maintenance needs for its water system.
Hotel Tax Increase
A vote on a hotel tax increase is scheduled for May 9. This tax is paid by visitors to Norman, not residents.
Income-Based Utilities Assistance
Information was provided on an online PDF form for income-based utilities assistance, with eligibility up to six persons at $47,550 annually.
Mobile Crisis Response Funding
Two fiscal years ago, money was appropriated for mobile crisis response, rolled forward into a fund. Vans have been ordered, and an RFP process for non-profits is planned. The specific line item for the $865,000 set aside was requested.
Downtown Main Street Parking Meters
A budget item proposing to meter six blocks of downtown Main Street was discussed, with a business owner advocating for its removal due to potential negative impacts on businesses.
Public Comments
Citizens expressed strong opinions on the proposed budget, primarily advocating for increased funding for unarmed mobile crisis response teams, affordable housing, and homeless shelters. Many speakers opposed the use of civil asset forfeiture funds for police vehicles, suggesting they be reallocated to social services or the fire department. Concerns were also raised about policing homelessness, the lack of resources for mental health crises, and the proposed metering of downtown Main Street parking. Some speakers supported increased police and fire staffing and the use of CAF funds for police-related expenses.
Coming Up
Tabled
- NextEra easement and compensation agreement (awaiting responses)
Deadlines
- Hotel tax increase vote: May 9
- Water rate vote: June 13
Watch For
- NextEra transmission line project pre-construction materials (late summer)
- Community Planning and Transportation Committee meeting: Thursday, 4 PM at City Hall
- One Norman Vision stakeholder Summit: April 26, 6-9 PM at Nancy O'Brien Performing Arts Center
Announcements
- Councilmember Ball highlighted the impact of homelessness on parks and businesses, advocating for increased police funding, crime prosecution, and treatment, while also sharing a four-page resource list for those seeking help.
- Councilmember Schuler recognized the Treatment Court team, announced National Travel and Tourism Week (May 7-13) and Visit Norman's 30th-anniversary luncheon (May 9), Kids to Park Day (May 20) at Rotary Park, and encouraged re-watching the NextEra study session.
- Councilmember Berlin reported a successful Courthouse Original Town Site neighborhood cleanup, reminded residents of the final big trash day (April 29) and free city dump access, highlighted income-based utilities assistance, promoted StreetWise workshops (May 11 & 18), and advised on Norman Music Fest road closures and a new text alert service for events.
- Councilmember Grant announced a Sun Wilderness cleanup on May 6 and encouraged voting 'Yes' on the hotel tax increase on May 9.
- Mayor Heikela thanked Michelle Laudenback for the successful Earth Day Festival, encouraged citizens to enjoy the busy Norman events this weekend (Music Fest, stadium event, prom), promoted the Community Planning and Transportation Committee meeting on Thursday at 4 PM, and urged voting on the visitor tax (May 9) and water utility rate election (June 13).
- Councilmember Tortorello seconded appreciation for Earth Day and Judge Tupper's work, and invited the public to the One Norman Vision stakeholder Summit on April 26 from 6-9 PM at the Nancy O'Brien Performing Arts Center.
Agenda Summary
Discussion regarding Road use easement and Lease agreements with NextEra Energy Transmission Southwest relating to its Draper Pleasant Valley Maaco transmission line project
Presentation and discussion on a proposed two-step road use agreement for a 48-mile, 345 kilovolt transmission line project connecting three OG&E substations, and updates on a withdrawn lease proposal and pending easement agreement. The road use agreement sets a framework for NextEra to provide information for administrative planning to protect city roads and crossings, with NextEra responsible for repair and maintenance.
Consideration of the city council, Norman Utilities Authority, Norman Municipal Authority and Norman Tax Increment Finance Authority minutes of January 24th, 2023 and February 14th, 2023
Review and approval of previous meeting minutes for multiple city authorities.
A Proclamation of the Mayor of the City of Norman, Oklahoma proclaiming the month of May 2023 as Treatment Court Month in the City of Norman
Official proclamation recognizing May 2023 as Treatment Court Month, highlighting the success and importance of treatment courts in the justice system.
A Proclamation of the Mayor of the City of Norman, Oklahoma proclaiming Thursday, April 27, 2023 as Leadership Oklahoma Day in the City of Norman
Official proclamation recognizing April 27, 2023 as Leadership Oklahoma Day, commending the program's efforts in educating and developing state leaders.
Consent Docket Items 4 through 25
Approval of routine agenda items by unanimous consent, including various contracts, resolutions, and administrative matters. This included the NextEra Road Use Agreement (Contract 146).
First public hearing of the fiscal year ending 2024 city of Norman proposed operating and capital budgets
Public hearing to receive comments and questions regarding the city manager's proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, with total revenue of $261 million and expenditures of $273.7 million across all funds.
Consideration of adjournment into executive session
Discussion of pending litigation (Shaz Investment Group LLC vs. City of Norman and Jacobs vs. City of Norman), possible purchase of real property at 218 South Lahoma Avenue, and an update on property acquisition at Oakhurst Avenue and Imhoff Road.