Meeting Summary
The City Council discussed and approved a special election on June 13, 2023, for a proposed water rate increase to fund critical infrastructure projects, including water main replacements, groundwater disinfection, and lead/copper pipe revisions. They also heard a presentation from Engaged Learning, a Norman-based non-profit seeking city space for K-12 STEM education, and approved a rezoning request for Sun Hive Collective, a program for adults with disabilities. Several proclamations and awards were presented, and council members raised concerns about homelessness in city parks and discussed public safety responses.
Key Decisions & Votes
James O. Harp Environmental Recognition Award
20:00The Council unanimously adopted a resolution to award the inaugural James O. Harp Environmental Recognition Award to Catherine Amanda Nairn for her extensive contributions to environmental protection and education in Norman.
National Community Development Week Proclamation
25:00The Council unanimously acknowledged the Mayor's proclamation designating April 10-14, 2023, as National Community Development Week, recognizing the impact of federal housing and community development programs.
Fair Housing Month Proclamation
28:00The Council unanimously acknowledged the Mayor's proclamation designating April 2023 as Fair Housing Month, reaffirming the city's commitment to equal housing opportunities.
Rezoning for Sun Hive Collective
57:00The Council unanimously approved the rezoning of property at 5201 24th Northeast from A2 Rural Agricultural District to PUD Planned Unit Development District for the Sun Hive Collective, a program for adults with disabilities.
Water Rate Increase Ordinance
01:19:00The Council unanimously adopted an ordinance to increase the monthly base fee and water rates for residential and non-residential users, contingent on voter approval, to fund critical water infrastructure improvements and cover rising operational costs.
Special Election for Water Rate Increase
01:19:30The Council unanimously adopted an ordinance authorizing a special election on June 13, 2023, for registered voters to approve or reject the proposed water rate increases.
Notice of Special Election to Cleveland County Election Board
01:20:00The Council unanimously adopted a resolution formally notifying the Cleveland County Election Board of the special election to be held on June 13, 2023, regarding the water rate increase.
Upcoming Community Events
Art Walk
6 PM to 9 PM in the Walker Arts District, featuring a Master of Fine Arts thesis Show at Main Site.
Original Townsite and First Courthouse Neighborhood Joint Cleanup
Times and specific details to be finalized with staff.
Sutton Wilderness Cleanup
8 AM to 9:30 AM, organized by Councilmember Peacock and Foreman.
Earth Day Festival
Noon to 5 PM at Reeves Park, offering free events and activities for kids and families.
Financial Matters
Norman Forward Projects
Most major projects are nearing completion, with the Senior Center and Young Family Athletic Center expected to finish this year. The projects have largely come in under budget, saving approximately $4 million on the Central Library.
Water Rate Increase Proposal
The proposed rate increase aims to generate an additional $6.7 million in annual revenue to fund critical water infrastructure projects and cover rising operational costs. This includes a $4.90 increase in the monthly base fee for residential and irrigation users, and volumetric charge increases across tiers, with higher increases for higher usage to encourage conservation. Commercial rates will also increase.
Lead and Copper Rule Compliance
The city is budgeting $1.7 million for the next fiscal year and an estimated $6 million over the next five years to inventory and address lead service lines to comply with new EPA regulations.
Water Main Replacements
The proposed funding would allow for the replacement of approximately 34 miles of aging water pipes, estimated to cost around $47 million, to reduce frequent breaks and improve system reliability.
Groundwater Disinfection Project
The scope of the groundwater disinfection project has been reduced, leading to an estimated cost reduction of $10 million, while still aiming to bring the system into compliance with DEQ regulations.
Water Utility Operational Costs
Electrical costs for the water utility have increased by approximately 12.2% annually over the past four years, and chemical costs have increased by almost 20% annually, significantly impacting the water fund's available balance for capital projects.
Temporary Warming Shelter Funding
The current temporary warming shelter is funded through the end of June.
Public Comments
Public comments included strong support for the proposed water rate increase, citing the critical need to replace aging infrastructure and ensure clean drinking water, with some speakers sharing personal experiences of encountering raw sewage and lead pipes. Concerns were also raised regarding the lack of information about the new Norman Transit Center, its potential impact on property values, and issues related to homelessness. Other comments touched on the OU active shooter hoax, the need for discussions on city response to such events, and ideas for community engagement like gardening programs for homeless individuals and electronics recycling.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Short-term lease agreement for Engaged Learning space to be agendized before the end of May.
Deadlines
- Norman students K-12 summer arts education scholarships application deadline: April 25th
- Water rate increase special election early voting: June 8th and 9th
- Water rate increase special election: June 13th
- Lead pipe inventory completion: October 2024
- Current warming shelter contract: Through end of June
Watch For
- RFP for the Reeves Park Rec Center and current Senior Center to determine highest and best use.
- Long-term vision for a dedicated, larger facility for Engaged Learning in Norman.
- Public discussions on how the city can respond to active shooter situations.
- Continued efforts and solutions for affordable housing and a permanent homeless shelter in Norman.
- Potential future ramp-up of the Access Oklahoma Turnpike expansion.
Announcements
- Thanks extended to law enforcement for their response to the OU active shooter hoax on Friday.
- Concerns raised about the deteriorating conditions and safety issues in several city parks due to homeless encampments and related activities.
- Oklahoma City has allocated $12.5 million to reduce homelessness by 75% and is developing an affordable housing project called 'Village on Walnut'.
- Art Walk will be held on April 14th from 6 PM to 9 PM in the Walker Arts District, featuring an MFA thesis show at Main Site.
- A neighborhood joint cleanup for Original Townsite and First Courthouse is planned for April 22nd.
- Norman students in grades K-12 can apply for 2023 summer arts education scholarships (up to $500) at normanarts.org until April 25th.
- Ward 5 residents expressed appreciation for the city's storm debris cleanup efforts.
- Access Oklahoma has halted its Turnpike expansion until further notice, a significant victory for Norman and Noble residents.
- Ward 6 will have its big trash pickup day on April 22nd.
- A Sutton Wilderness cleanup, organized by Councilmember Peacock and Foreman, is scheduled for May 6th from 8 AM to 9:30 AM.
- The Public Safety Awards banquet was held, recognizing well-deserving First Responders.
- The Earth Day Festival will take place on April 23rd from Noon to 5 PM at Reeves Park, offering free events and activities.
- City officials toured the Hitachi plant in Norman, noting its 1987 opening, wind-powered operations, 300 employees, and global uniqueness.
- A four-way stop has been installed at 36th and Franklin to address resident concerns.
Agenda Summary
Presentation from Engaged Learning
Councilmember Peacock and Bart Keaton presented on Engaged Learning, a Norman-based non-profit that provides hands-on STEM education and design-build projects for K-12 students, particularly those in underserved communities. They discussed their need for a larger space in Norman for programming and potential long-term vision for a dedicated facility.
Resolution awarding the inaugural James O. Harp Environmental Recognition Award
A resolution to award the first James O. Harp Environmental Recognition Award, in conjunction with the Norman Environmental Control Advisory Board, to Catherine Amanda Nairn for her tireless work and leadership in environmental protection and education.
Proclamation of the Mayor proclaiming the week of April 10th through 14th, 2023, as National Community Development Week
A proclamation recognizing National Community Development Week, highlighting the impact of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership programs in providing affordable housing, suitable living environments, and economic opportunities.
Proclamation of the Mayor proclaiming the month of April 2023 as Fair Housing Month
A proclamation designating April 2023 as Fair Housing Month, reaffirming the commitment to equal housing opportunity and eliminating discrimination, marking the 55th anniversary of the federal Fair Housing Law.
CFOB Annual Report
A presentation by the Norman Forward Citizens Financial Oversight Committee on the status of Norman Forward projects, noting that most major projects are nearing completion and have largely remained under budget.
Ordinance rezoning property located at 5201 24th Northeast from A2 Rural Agricultural District to PUD Planned Unit Development District
An ordinance to rezone property for Sun Hive Collective, a non-profit program providing a day program for adults with significant disabilities, focusing on life skills, social interaction, and vocational activities.
Ordinance increasing the monthly base fee and water rates for residential and non-residential water meter users
An ordinance proposing increases to water base fees and volumetric rates for residential and non-residential users to fund critical water infrastructure projects, including water main replacements, groundwater disinfection, and compliance with new lead and copper rules, as well as increased operational costs.
Ordinance authorizing the calling and holding of a special election on June 13, 2023, for the purpose of submitting to the registered voters the question of approving or rejecting a water rate increase
An ordinance to formally authorize a special election for Norman voters to decide on the proposed water rate increases.
Resolution giving the Secretary of the Cleveland County Election Board notice of a special election to be held on June 13, 2023
A resolution to officially notify the Cleveland County Election Board of the upcoming special election for the water rate increase proposition.