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Civic Transparency Platform
City Council Meeting

April 4, 2023 City Council Meeting

April 4, 2023 Norman, OK
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Meeting Summary

TL;DR

The city council study session focused on two primary topics: the appointment process for the Comprehensive Plan Ad Hoc Committee and a review of City Council meeting procedures. For the committee, council members decided to hold small group meetings to finalize appointments, aiming for diverse representation. Discussions on meeting procedures covered consent docket deadlines, public comment decorum, residency requirements for speakers, and the structure of public comment sessions, with a general agreement to update existing guidelines and conduct further research.

Financial Matters

Water Rate Increase Vote

Discussion about the upcoming June vote on water rate increases and the importance of Ward 5 representation to secure support, noting that 95% of Ward 5 residents use well water.

Cost of Fire Mains

Mention of the high cost of laying additional fire mains in rural areas, estimated at $800,000 per mile, in the context of Ward 5's needs and existing infrastructure.

$800,000 per mile

Coming Up

Tabled

  • Appointments for the Comprehensive Plan Ad Hoc Committee (to small group meetings)

Deadlines

  • Water rate increase vote in June

Watch For

  • Updated City Council meeting procedures and handbook
  • Ordinance regarding non-resident speakers (City Manager to research Midwest City's approach)

Agenda Summary

Discussion regarding appointments for the comprehensive plan ad hoc committee

Council discussed the process for selecting members for the Comprehensive Plan Ad Hoc Committee, including ensuring diverse representation from different wards and professional backgrounds, and the role of non-voting subject matter experts. Concerns were raised about underrepresentation from Ward 1 and Ward 5.

Decision deferred to small group meetings among council members to finalize the list of appointees.

Discussion regarding city council meeting procedures for Council handbook

Council reviewed various meeting procedures, including setting a deadline for removing items from the consent docket, enforcing decorum for public comments, considering potential residency requirements for speakers, and the format of miscellaneous public comments. The value of public comment as a citizen outlet was emphasized.

No immediate changes, but consensus to update existing rules and best practices in the Council handbook, with further research on some topics.