Meeting Summary
The City Council approved several proclamations for Earth Day, Arbor Day, Telecommunicator Week, Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week, and Child Abuse Prevention Month. A significant discussion and approval occurred for a three-month extension of the emergency winter shelter contract with Food and Shelter Incorporated. Additionally, bids were awarded and ordinances adopted for $26 million in General Obligation Bonds for road widening projects and $13.5 million for Street Maintenance bonds.
Key Decisions & Votes
Emergency Winter Shelter Contract Extension
1:29:40The contract with Food and Shelter Incorporated for the emergency winter shelter at 109 West Gray Street was extended for three additional months, increasing the contract amount by $164,497.20 to a revised total of $469,795.20. The extension will be reviewed quarterly.
Award Bid for General Obligation Bonds Series 2023A
1:49:00The bid for $26,000,000 General Obligation Bonds Series 2023A, funding 2019 road widening projects, was awarded to Robert W Baird and Company at a true interest cost of 3.435929%.
Award Bid for General Obligation Bonds Series 2023B
1:58:00The bid for $13,500,000 General Obligation Bonds Series 2023B, funding 2021 Street Maintenance projects, was awarded to Piper Sandler and Company at a true interest cost of 2.739168%.
Upcoming Community Events
Earth Day Festival
Reeves Park
Green Norman Eco Month activities
Various locations across the city, details on greennorman.org
Arbor Day observance
Reeves Park with a tree planting and presentation
Blue lighting ceremony for Child Abuse Prevention Month
Legacy Trail Park West Main Street and James Garner Avenue
Colonial Park cleanup
Splash pad area for frisbee golf course, city providing trash bags and gloves
Norman Family Roundup
Antioch Community Church (1330 East Lindsay), free food, pony rides, games
Medieval Fair
Reeves Park
Norman Music Festival
Neighborhood Alliance legal issues workshops for HOAs
Online, sign up with Neighborhood Alliance of Central Oklahoma
Sudden Wilderness cleanup
Financial Matters
Emergency Winter Shelter Contract Extension
Increasing contract amount by $164,497.20 for a revised total of $469,795.20 for the 2022-2023 Emergency winter shelter.
General Obligation Bonds Series 2023A
Awarding bid for $26,000,000 bonds for 2019 approved road widening projects.
General Obligation Bonds Series 2023B
Awarding bid for $13,500,000 bonds for 2021 Street Maintenance projects.
Public Comments
Public comments were extensive, particularly regarding the emergency winter shelter contract, with 13 speakers overwhelmingly supporting its extension and advocating for a permanent solution due to rising housing costs and the critical need for shelter. Miscellaneous comments covered concerns about city staff negligence in drainage projects, council member accountability regarding development funding, the need for commuter rail, impacts of unchecked growth, water infrastructure and fire safety, lack of sidewalks in new developments, and the affordable housing crisis.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Last run for storm debris in Ward 5 ends April 8th.
Watch For
- Vote on water rate increase (soon).
- More information on neighborhood cleanup day (Councilmember Grant).
- Ribbon cuttings for Norman Forward projects: Young Athletic Family Center and Adult Wellness Senior Center (expected this fall).
- Discussion on potential project to connect Cedar Lane West to Jenkins Avenue in Eagle Cliff area.
- Discussion on new rule for pulling items from consent docket (next study session).
Announcements
- Councilmember Lynn's court case regarding his position is next week, April 5th.
- Norman Arts Council surpassed their $15,000 goal, raising $20,000.
- Ward 6 big trash pickup day is April 22nd.
- Most major Norman Forward projects are expected to be completed or substantially completed by the end of this year.
- Public transit system updates and projects are discussed monthly at the Community Planning and Transportation Committee meeting.
- 785 victims of child abuse and neglect were reported in Cleveland County in Cleveland County in 2022.
Agenda Summary
Approval of Minutes
Consideration of minutes from various past meetings including October 11, 2022, January 10, 2023, January 17, 2023, January 24, 2023, January 26, 2023, and March 14, 2023.
Proclamation proclaiming Saturday April 22, 2023 as Earth Day and March 22 - May 13, 2023 as Green Norman Echo Month.
Acknowledging receipt of the proclamation for Earth Day and Green Norman Echo Month.
Proclamation proclaiming Sunday April 23, 2023 as Arbor Day.
Acknowledging receipt of the proclamation for Arbor Day.
Proclamation proclaiming the week of April 9-15, 2023 as National Telecommunicator Week.
Acknowledging receipt of the proclamation for National Telecommunicator Week.
Proclamation proclaiming the week of April 9-15, 2023 as National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week.
Acknowledging receipt of the proclamation for National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week.
Proclamation proclaiming the month of April 2023 as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Acknowledging receipt of the proclamation for Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Consent Docket (Items 7-30, excluding Item 22)
Approval of routine agenda items designated by unanimous consent.
Amendment to Contract K-22356 (Food and Shelter Incorporated)
Increasing contract amount by $164,497.20 for a revised total of $469,795.20, adding three additional months to the contract for the 2022-2023 Emergency winter shelter located at 109 West Gray Street, and budget appropriation.
Awarding bid for the purchase of $26,000,000 General Obligation Bonds Series 2023A.
Awarding the bid for bonds to fund 2019 approved road widening projects.
Ordinance 0222334 providing for the issuance of General Obligation Bonds Series 2023A in the sum of $26,000,000.
Providing for the issuance of bonds, registration, tax levy, and other details for the $26,000,000 General Obligation Bonds Series 2023A.
Awarding bid for the purchase of $13,500,000 General Obligation Bonds Series 2023B.
Awarding the bid for bonds to fund 2021 Street Maintenance projects.
Ordinance 0222335 providing for the issuance of General Obligation Bonds Series 2023B in the sum of $13,500,000.
Providing for the issuance of bonds, registration, tax levy, and other details for the $13,500,000 General Obligation Bonds Series 2023B.