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City Council Meeting

November 23, 2022 City Council Meeting

November 23, 2022 • Norman, OK
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Meeting Summary

TL;DR

The City Council approved significant public safety expenditures, including $943,160 for various police equipment and $353,000 for an armored rescue Bearcat vehicle. Both purchases were initially proposed to be funded by civil asset forfeiture funds but were amended to use the general fund surplus after extensive public and council debate. The council also discussed potential amendments to the city's carport ordinance, aiming to reduce costs and streamline the permit process.

Key Decisions & Votes

Small Business Saturday Proclamation

10:00

Mayor proclaimed Saturday, November 26, 2022, as Small Business Saturday in the city of Norman.

Adopted

Consent Docket Items 2-26

34:00

All items on the consent docket (2-26) were approved unanimously.

Approved

Public Safety Equipment Purchase

1:47:00

Resolution R22-2360, appropriating $943,160 for public safety equipment, was approved. The funding source was amended from the seizures and restitution fund to the general fund surplus.

Approved

Armored Rescue Bearcat Vehicle Purchase

2:58:00

Resolution R22-2368, appropriating $353,000 for an armored rescue Bearcat vehicle and training, was approved. A motion to postpone the vote for a public hearing failed. The funding source was amended from the seizures and restitution fund to the general fund surplus.

Approved

Upcoming Community Events

November 26, 2022

Small Business Saturday

Urged residents to support local businesses.

November 29

Giving Tuesday

Encourage giving to local non-profits.

November 30

Community Planning and Transportation Committee Meeting

4 PM at City Hall, featuring monthly public transit ridership report and road construction project updates.

Financial Matters

Carport Ordinance Application Fees

Discussion of previous costs associated with Board of Adjustment applications ($200 application, $150-200 ownership list, legal ad) which the proposed amendments aim to remove.

Public Safety Equipment Purchase

Purchase of equipment for SWAT, HDU, and drug education. Funding source was amended from civil asset forfeiture funds to the General Fund Surplus.

$943,160

Armored Rescue Bearcat Vehicle Purchase

Purchase of an armored vehicle and associated training. Funding source was amended from civil asset forfeiture funds to the General Fund Surplus.

$353,000

Public Comments

39 citizens spoke

Extensive public comment was received on the use of civil asset forfeiture funds and the purchase of the Bearcat vehicle. Themes included concerns about police militarization, the ethical implications of civil asset forfeiture, the need for increased transparency and public input, and the effectiveness of such equipment. Supporters emphasized officer safety, the need for modern tools, and the vehicle's role in de-escalation and rescue. Opponents highlighted potential for escalation, lack of policy oversight, and the importance of community trust.

Civil asset forfeiture ethics Police militarization Officer safety Community trust and transparency De-escalation tactics Budget priorities Public input process Use of force guidelines

Coming Up

Tabled

  • Carport ordinance amendments to be presented to Planning Commission on December 8th and then to Council in January.

Deadlines

  • Nominations for Comprehensive Plan update and Strong Towns committee.

Watch For

  • Budget discussions in the spring.
  • Rebuilding process for the Police Advisory Board, expected to be at full strength in two to three months after January.

Announcements

  • Saturday, November 26, 2022, is proclaimed Small Business Saturday.
  • Next Tuesday, November 29, is Giving Tuesday, encouraging support for local non-profits.
  • Paula Roberts was recognized for her service on the Norman Regional Health Authority.
  • City Hall and city offices will be closed Thursday, November 24, and Friday, November 25, for the Thanksgiving holiday.
  • November is acknowledged as National American Indian Heritage Month.
  • Marie Kindle was thanked for stepping up to serve on the Planning Commission.
  • An observation was made about the significant number of people using the warming shelter, suggesting a need for permanent solutions.
  • Residents were encouraged to 'Shop Norman Local' for the holidays.
  • Mayor requested nominations for the Comprehensive Plan update and Strong Towns committee.
  • The Community Planning and Transportation Committee meeting will be held next Wednesday, November 30, at 4 PM at City Hall.

Agenda Summary

Carport Ordinance Amendments

Discussion regarding possible amendments to the city's carport ordinance to simplify requirements, reduce costs, and remove the need for Board of Adjustment review.

Information Only

Proclamation of Small Business Saturday

Acknowledgment of a proclamation declaring Saturday, November 26, 2022, as Small Business Saturday in the city of Norman.

Acknowledged

Consent Docket Items 2-26

Approval of various routine city business items.

Approved

Resolution R22-2360 - Public Safety Equipment

Appropriating $943,160 for public safety equipment for the SWAT team, Hazardous Devices Unit, and drug crime education.

Approved

Resolution R22-2368 - Armored Rescue Bearcat Vehicle

Appropriating $353,000 for an armored all-purpose rescue Bearcat vehicle and associated training.

Approved
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