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City Council Meeting

August 10, 2022 City Council Meeting

August 10, 2022 • Norman, OK
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Meeting Summary

TL;DR

The City Council meeting saw the denial of two companion items related to the purchase and appropriation of $6.4 million in ARPA funds for an affordable housing facility at 1210 West Robinson Street, with council members expressing a desire for more information and a potential future re-vote. The council unanimously adopted the OG&E franchise agreement ordinance and called for a special election on January 10, 2023, for voter approval. A public hearing was held on proposed ward boundary changes.

Key Decisions & Votes

Purchase of 1210 West Robinson Property for Affordable Housing

57:00

A contract to purchase the property at 1210 West Robinson for $2.45 million, intended for conversion into affordable housing units, failed to pass with a 4-3 vote, not meeting the required five votes.

Denied

Appropriation of ARPA Funds for 1210 West Robinson Property

1:09:00

A resolution to appropriate $6.4 million in ARPA funds for the purchase and renovation of the 1210 West Robinson property for affordable housing also failed with a 4-3 vote, not meeting the required five votes.

Denied

OG&E Franchise Agreement Ordinance

1:23:00

The ordinance granting Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company a 25-year franchise agreement to operate within the city limits was unanimously adopted on both second and final readings.

Adopted

Special Election for OG&E Franchise Agreement

1:24:00

A resolution was unanimously adopted to notify the Cleveland County Election Board of a special election on January 10, 2023, for voters to approve or disapprove the OG&E franchise agreement.

Adopted

Upcoming Community Events

Wednesday, August 17th

Ward 2 Town Hall

6 PM at the Whittier Rec Center, 2000 West Brook Street. Discussion on upcoming propositions and Ward 2 issues.

August 10th

Ward 4 Town Hall

6-8 PM in the Oklahoma Red Button Room, Norman Public Library Central, 103 West Acres.

Next Friday

Art Walk

6-9 PM.

August 18th

Councilmember Tortorello Facebook Live

Discussion on propositions for August 23rd vote with City Attorney Katherine Walker, including a Q&A.

This Sunday

Councilmember Grant Informal Come-and-Go

1-3 PM at the Cobblestone Creek Clubhouse. Discussion on ballot propositions and city issues.

August 21st

Councilmember Grant Informal Come-and-Go

1-3 PM at Reeves Park. Discussion on ballot propositions and city issues.

Financial Matters

Contract for purchase of 1210 West Robinson property

Proposed purchase price for the property intended for affordable housing.

$2,450,000

Appropriation for 1210 West Robinson property

Total ARPA funds allocated for the purchase and renovation of the affordable housing facility.

$6,400,000

OG&E Franchise Fee

Annual fee paid by OG&E to the city for access to rights-of-way.

3% annual

OG&E Electricity Provision to City

OG&E to furnish electricity to city facilities without charge up to a certain percentage of kilowatt hours sold to Norman customers.

0.5% of kilowatt hours

OG&E Special Election Costs

OG&E will cover the costs associated with the special election for the franchise agreement.

Water Meters Grant

Public Works Department secured a grant for water meters.

$2,000,000

Public Comments

39 citizens spoke

Public comments were extensive, primarily focusing on the proposed affordable housing project (Items 12 & 13). Supporters emphasized the critical need for affordable housing, the use of federal ARPA funds, and the transitional nature of the project. Opponents raised concerns about operational costs, potential for decay, the city's role in housing, and the project's similarity to a homeless shelter. Some requested postponement for more information. Comments on the OG&E franchise agreement expressed concerns about the 25-year term and the need for additional agreements regarding service improvements. Miscellaneous comments covered animal welfare, opposition to the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority's plans in East Norman, and city accessibility issues.

Affordable Housing Homelessness ARPA Funds Government Role in Housing Operational Costs of City-Owned Property OG&E Franchise Agreement Contract Length and Stipulations Ward Boundary Changes Animal Welfare and Kennel Licensing Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) Impact City Accessibility Standards

Coming Up

Tabled

  • Contract for the purchase of 1210 West Robinson property (Item 12) can be brought back to a future agenda.
  • Resolution appropriating funds for 1210 West Robinson property (Item 13) can be brought back to a future agenda.

Deadlines

  • August 23rd: Vote on city propositions.
  • January 10, 2023: Special election for OG&E franchise agreement.

Watch For

  • A study session on affordable housing and the 1210 West Robinson property, potentially including a report from the Norman Housing Authority.
  • Further discussions and potential agreements with OG&E regarding service improvements and other stipulations before the January election.
  • Future vote on the resolution recommending ward boundary changes.

Announcements

  • Red Dirt Collective held a successful mutual aid fair providing school supplies, backpacks, clothing, and food.
  • Ward 2 Town Hall will be held on Wednesday, August 17th, at 6 PM at the Whittier Rec Center to discuss upcoming propositions and ward issues.
  • A city-wide vote on several propositions is scheduled for August 23rd.
  • Mayor is running for re-election.
  • Ward 4 is hosting a town hall on August 10th from 6-8 PM at the Norman Public Library Central.
  • Art Walk is scheduled for next Friday from 6-9 PM.
  • Food and Shelter and Norman Caravans are fundraising for emergency hotel rooms due to heat.
  • Councilmember Tortorello will host a Facebook Live on August 18th to discuss the propositions with the City Attorney.
  • Councilmember Grant will host informal come-and-go meetings on Sunday (1-3 PM at Cobblestone Creek Clubhouse) and August 21st (1-3 PM at Reeves Park) to discuss propositions and city issues.
  • Appreciation was extended to Norman's non-profits and volunteers for their community efforts.

Agenda Summary

Items 1 through 11 and 14 on the consent docket

Approval of various routine items on the consent docket.

Approved

Item 12: Contract with HCR Manor Care Incorporated for the purchase of real property at 1210 West Robinson

Consideration of a contract to purchase property for affordable housing units.

Denied

Item 13: Resolution appropriating $6,400,000 from ARPA funds for the purchase, rehabilitation, and repurpose of 1210 West Robinson Street

Resolution to allocate federal ARPA funds for the acquisition and renovation of a property for expanded affordable housing.

Denied

Item 15: Ordinance number 0212248 granting OG&E the right to produce, transmit, and distribute electricity

Second and final reading of an ordinance granting a 25-year franchise agreement to Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company.

Approved

Item 16: Resolution giving notice of a special election on January 10, 2023, to grant OG&E a franchise agreement

Resolution to formally notify the Cleveland County Election Board of the special election for the OG&E franchise agreement.

Approved

Item 17: Public hearing on resolution recommending ward boundary changes from the reapportionment ad hoc committee meeting

Public hearing to gather input on proposed adjustments to city ward boundaries based on census data.

Information Only
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