Meeting Summary
The City Council acknowledged two mayoral proclamations for 'Water is Worth It Month' and 'Lakes Appreciation Month'. Council members provided updates on community events and encouraged public input for the upcoming council retreat. The consent docket was approved, including a discussion on reimbursement for animal seizure expenses. Public comments covered topics such as education, city services, and council conduct.
Key Decisions & Votes
Approval of Minutes
01:10The City Council Study Session minutes of February 1st, February 15th, and March 1st, 2022, City Council Conference minutes of February 22nd, 2022, and City Council, Norman Utilities Authority, Norman Municipal Authority, and Norman Tax Increment Finance Authority minutes of May 10th, 2022 were approved.
Proclamation of 'Water is Worth It Month'
01:55The Mayor's proclamation designating July 2022 as 'Water is Worth It Month' in the City of Norman was acknowledged.
Proclamation of 'Lakes Appreciation Month' and 'Love Your Lake Week'
05:45The Mayor's proclamation designating July 2022 as 'Lakes Appreciation Month' and the week of July 25th as 'Love Your Lake Week' in the City of Norman was acknowledged.
Consent Docket (Items 4-18)
14:40Items 4 through 18, including the reimbursement for animal seizure expenses, were placed on and approved as part of the consent docket.
Upcoming Community Events
Eat Norman Restaurant Week
Funds raised support food and shelter. Information available on the Visit Norman app or website.
Summer Sidewalk Sales
More information available on the Chamber of Commerce website.
Moore-Lindsay Historical House Museum 'Sundown Town' Exhibit
Free admission.
Lake Thunderbird Watershed Alliance (LTWA) Activities
Fun and educational activities during 'Love Your Lake Week'. Details at greennorman.org.
Financial Matters
Reimbursement for Animal Seizure Expenses (Consent Docket Item 18)
Discussion regarding the reimbursement of expenses incurred from the seizure of 168 animals in April 2022. The city is seeking $7,000 for this incident, with $5,000 already paid and $3,000 paid since, and the remaining $3,000 expected by September. Additionally, the city is still collecting approximately $40,000 from a previous $93,000 seizure.
Public Comments
Three citizens addressed the council, offering suggestions for the upcoming retreat. Topics included concerns about elementary school reading comprehension levels and potential library solutions, appreciation for new bike lanes and a call for more, and concerns regarding council member rhetoric and its alignment with the city charter's commitment to human rights and dignity. Suggestions for public services like porta-potties and expanded bus routes were also made.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Public input for the Council Retreat is encouraged before July 22nd-23rd, with a poll on the Ward 5 page open until Thursday of next week.
Watch For
- McGee Drive street project construction (starting tomorrow, lasting four months).
- Discussions and outcomes from the Council Retreat on July 22nd-23rd.
Announcements
- Council Retreat scheduled for July 22nd and 23rd, with council members seeking public input on priorities.
- Eat Norman Restaurant Week runs from July 8th to July 17th, supporting food and shelter.
- Summer Sidewalk Sales will take place from July 15th to July 17th.
- A significant street project on McGee Drive (between Highway 9 and Westbrook Terrace, southbound lane) will begin tomorrow and last approximately four months.
- The Moore-Lindsay Historical House Museum is hosting a 'Sundown Town' exhibit from June 18th to October 29th with free admission.
- A reminder for citizens to practice water conservation, including odd/even watering, as Lake Thunderbird is an impaired body of water.
- Welcome extended to Mayor Haikala and Councilmember Grant.
Agenda Summary
1
Consideration of City Council Study Session minutes of February 1st, February 15th, and March 1st, 2022; City Council Conference minutes of February 22nd, 2022; and City Council, Norman Utilities Authority, Norman Municipal Authority, and Norman Tax Increment Finance Authority minutes of May 10th, 2022.
2
A proclamation of the Mayor proclaiming the month of July 2022 as 'Water is Worth It Month' in the City of Norman.
3
A proclamation of the Mayor proclaiming the month of July 2022 as 'Lakes Appreciation Month' and the week of July 25th as 'Love Your Lake Week' in the City of Norman.
Consent Docket (Items 4-18)
Routine agenda items recommended for approval or acknowledgement by one motion, including a discussion on reimbursement for animal seizure expenses (Item 18).