Meeting Summary
The city council meeting included the swearing-in of new council member Elizabeth Foreman for Ward 6. The primary discussion revolved around utility franchise agreements, particularly with OG&E, and related issues such as the feasibility and cost of burying power lines in older neighborhoods, vegetation management, and the city's renewable energy goals. Council explored the possibility of separate cooperative agreements with utilities to address Norman-specific concerns outside of the main franchise agreement.
Key Decisions & Votes
Seating of Council Member Elect Elizabeth Foreman, Ward 6
00:34Elizabeth Foreman was administered the oath of office and officially seated as the council member for Ward 6.
Financial Matters
Utility Franchise Fees
Franchise fees are collected from utilities for access to rights-of-way, typically passed on to customers, and often include a credit towards the city's electric service, covering street light costs.
Cost of burying utility lines
Burying utility lines in existing developments is expensive, requiring significant investment. The city paid the full cost for burying lines on Lindsay Street during a road project.
Relocation costs for utilities during road projects
Under franchise agreements, utilities are required to pay for the relocation of their equipment when city road projects necessitate it.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Second reading of the ordinance to place the franchise agreement on the ballot: August 9th
- Potential election date for the franchise agreement: January 10th
Watch For
- Development of a cooperative agreement with OG&E, OEC, and the City of Norman on vegetation management and tree replacement ('wrong tree, wrong place, right tree, right place, net net more new trees')
- Strategy and cost assessment for burying utility lines on Jenkins Avenue (Constitution to Timberdale) and Constitution Street (Jenkins to Classen)
- Review of election calendar dates at the upcoming council retreat
- Further information from OG&E regarding metrics on buried lines and system-wide progress
Agenda Summary
Administering the Oath of Office and Seating of Council Member Elect Elizabeth Foreman, Ward 6
Elizabeth Foreman was administered the oath of office and officially seated as the council member for Ward 6.
Discussion regarding utility franchise agreements
A presentation and discussion on the overview of utility franchise agreements, applicable laws, current agreements in Norman, and council concerns regarding burying lines, vegetation management, and renewable energy.