Meeting Summary
The City Council discussed several proposed amendments to the Norman City Charter. Key outcomes included maintaining the current signature threshold for recall petitions, agreeing to propose an amendment allowing annual utility rate increases up to 3% based on a rate study and a new citizen commission's recommendation, and revising the reapportionment process to be event-driven with a new committee and reduced council authority.
Key Decisions & Votes
Recall Petition Signature Threshold
19:00The council maintained the current charter requirement of 25% of registered voters for a recall petition to be sufficient, despite discussion on its high threshold compared to voter turnout.
Utility Rate Increase Authority
50:00The council reached a consensus to draft a charter amendment allowing annual utility rate increases of up to 3%, contingent on an annual rate study and recommendation from a new ward-specific utility rate commission. The vote on this amendment is planned for August 2022.
Reapportionment Process Timelines
1:05:00The council agreed to amend the charter language for reapportionment to tie committee appointments and deadlines to the release of census data and county election board precinct boundaries, rather than fixed dates, to ensure the process uses the most current information.
New Reapportionment Committee
1:05:00A new reapportionment committee will be appointed to review ward boundaries based on the 2020 census data and the new precinct maps expected in April 2022, ensuring a fresh start with complete information.
Council's Role in Reapportionment
1:12:00The council agreed to change its role in the reapportionment process, removing its final authority to draw lines. Instead, the council will have the option to adopt, reject, or send back the committee's recommendations for further work.
Financial Matters
Utility Rate Increases
Discussion on the need for annual utility rate adjustments to keep up with inflation and avoid large, infrequent increases, with a focus on water utility needs.
Water Rate Increase (April 2022)
Reference to an already approved water rate increase that will be on the ballot in April 2022.
Public Comments
Council members referenced public input they received outside the meeting regarding concerns about water bills and the desire for citizens to retain control over utility rate increases.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Charter review amendments (specifically utility rate and reapportionment changes) to be voted on in August 2022 instead of June 2022.
Watch For
- April 2022 water rate increase election
- August 2022 election for charter review amendments
- Formation of a new ward-specific utility rate commission
- Formation of a new reapportionment committee
Agenda Summary
Amendments to the Norman City Charter - Recall of Elected Officers
Discussion on the required signature threshold for recall petitions, comparing the current 25% of registered voters with practices in other cities and considering basing it on votes cast in the last election.
Amendments to the Norman City Charter - Municipally Owned Utilities (Utility Rates)
Discussion on amending the charter to allow the City Council to adopt modest annual utility rate increases without a public vote, while preserving voter approval for larger increases, and the role of a citizen commission.
Amendments to the Norman City Charter - Reapportionment
Discussion on revising the reapportionment process and timelines to align with the release of census data and county precinct boundaries, and the role of the City Council in approving ward boundary changes.